ANALYSIS OF INTRINSIC AND EXTRINSIC BARRIERS TO PHYSICAL ACTIVITY PRACTICE IN PEOPLE WITH TYPE II DIABETES: PRELIMINARY RESULTS FROM A SURVEY CONDUCTED IN HOSPITAL BY KINESIOLOGISTS

Purpose: Regular physical activity (PA) is a protective factor and represents a key challenge for people with chronic diseases, such as diabetes, in a view of their own health. Therefore, the World Health Organization guidelines, recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity PA per week to this target. Nonetheless, PA levels are worryingly low among people with diabetes. In this scenario, kinesiologists can play a fundamental role in raising awareness about healthy lifestyle in order to promote PA, reducing sedentary behavior, hence improving health. Thus, the aim of this survey was to introduce and inform about the kinesiologists’ role and investigate barriers towards PA practice in people living with type II diabetes, in a view to tackle the situation providing future PA promotion strategies. Methods: People with type II diabetes recruited by the Therapeutic Educational Team of the Diabetes Operating Units coordinated by the Endocrinologist, were involved in the survey carried out at the Hospital of Rimini. During the usual check-ups carried out by the Endocrinologist, patients were invited to participate in the survey conducted by the kinesiologists. The following surveys were conducted: Intrinsic and Extrinsic Barriers to PA adherence (adapted from Korkiakangas et al., 2009); PA levels using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and finally attitude to change using the Patient-centered Assessment and Counseling for Exercise (PACE) questionnaire. Results: Preliminary analysis was conducted on a sample of 31 subjects with type II diabetes, mean age 55.02 ± 15.44 years (51.6% females, 48.4% males). Concerning Intrinsic and Extrinsic Barriers to PA, results show that the main intrinsic barriers reported were: fatigue (51.6%), laziness (45.2%) stress and pain (41.9%). Interestingly, 35.5% declared that performing PA has low priority. Among the extrinsic barriers the majority of the sample reported none (32.3%). In connection, the other extrinsic options selected by participants were the following: no one to perform PA with (29%) and bad weather (25.8%). Conclusions: Preliminary findings suggest that people living with type II diabetes need to be trained in order to tackle barriers and support PA promotion. In light of this, kinesiologists, collaborating with healthcare professionals, can play a crucial role to implement new intervention strategies enhancing people self-efficacy, empowerment and health.