3.1. Demographics
pain
A total of 9 of the 29 participants who completed the exercise and behaviour-change intervention consented and took part in the focus groups (Female Participant demographics are outlined in We identified three themes. (1) ‘The structured program addressed inactivity and improved feelings of wellness and preparation for the operation’. Benefits were not only physical but psychological, and were contextualized in terms of preparation for the upcoming surgery. The HAPA volitional constructs of action and coping planning are reflected in this theme. Specifically, action planning was evident in terms of making plans on when, where how and with whom to exercise. Coping planning was also evident as part of the structure of the program, assisting participants to develop strategies to cope with barriers such as pain that may interfere with exercise. (2) ‘People as enablers of participation’. Participants identified that the attitude and skill of the experienced instructor were supportive and motivating, especially the tailoring of the intervention to meet individual needs. Within the program, the support of the group was considered a positive attribute and assisted with coping planning as participants were all managing a similar condition and sharing problem-solving strategies together. (3) ‘Improved awareness changed attitudes to self-efficacy and perceived self-control’. Participants described that through increased awareness of their condition they had a better understanding of health expectations and felt more control and ownership of their health journey, describing maintenance self-efficacy, recovery self-efficacy and action control.