Alternative Medicine Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Alternative Medicine, including details on complementary medicine, alternative therapies, homeopathy.

Factors Contributing to Women's Ability to Maintain a Walking Program.

Nies MA, Motyka CL

State University of New York, Stony Brook, New York 11794-8036, USA. Mary.Nies@stonybrook.edu

PURPOSE:The purpose of this descriptive study is to determine what strategies were most helpful for women to begin and maintain a walking program. METHOD:Data from the field notes of a randomized clinical trial to promote walking in 97 women were used for the qualitative analysis discussed in this article. FINDINGS:Overall, the majority of participants met the study goal of walking 90 minutes per week. CONCLUSIONS:In addition, the participants reported other benefits, including becoming more physically fit, mental and emotional satisfaction, and stress reduction. Some of the barriers mentioned by participants were personal and/or professional obligations, weather, injuries and/or illnesses, and psychosocial factors. When benefits outweighed barriers, the participants had greater success meeting their walking goals. IMPLICATIONS:Furthermore, the participants stated that making time, problem solving, internal motivation, and the support of family and/or friends were the most helpful factors in achieving their walking goals.

Published 1 February 2006 in J Holist Nurs, 24(1): 7-14.
Full-text of this article is available online (may require subscription).

© 2005-2008 Alternative Medicine Research Today. All Rights Reserved.