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Vinson, Don and Parker, Andrew 
ORCID: 0000-0001-6842-3067
(2012)
Exercise, service and support: client experiences of physical activity referral schemes (PARS).
Qualitative Research in Sport, Exercise and Health, 4 (1).
pp. 15-31.
doi:10.1080/2159676X.2011.653501
Abstract
Physical activity referral schemes (PARS) represent one of the most prevalent interventions in the fight against chronic illness such as coronary heart disease and obesity. Despite this, issues surrounding low retention and adherence continue to hinder the potential effectiveness of such schemes on public health. This article reports on the second stage of a larger investigation into client experiences of PARS focusing specifically on findings from five client-based focus groups and interviews with five Scheme Organisers. The resulting analysis reveals three main factors impacting participant perceptions of the quality of service and support received: the organisation of PARS provision, client engagement with the PARS community and the nature and extent of client support networks. The article demonstrates that staff have a considerable role to play in engaging clients in the PARS system and that Scheme Organisers should give serious thought to ensuring that clients have valuable and sustainable networks of support. Furthermore, it is suggested that Scheme Organisers need to facilitate a system in which staff are genuinely engaged with the needs of clients and are able to provide individualised programmes of physical activity.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Article Type: | Article |
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | physical activity, referral schemes, qualitative, exercise, adherence |
| Subjects: | H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General) |
| Divisions: | Schools and Research Institutes > School of Education and Science |
| Research Priority Areas: | Health, Life Sciences, Sport and Wellbeing |
| Depositing User: | Anne Pengelly |
| Date Deposited: | 15 Jun 2015 14:46 |
| Last Modified: | 31 Aug 2023 09:10 |
| URI: | https://eprints.glos.ac.uk/id/eprint/2342 |
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