Authors: Pia Hendberg, Lena Zidén, Marie Rusner.
Introduction: Fear of falling, functional limitations and activity restriction are common after a hip fracture. Physical activity on Prescription (PaP) aims to increase patient activity and confidence.
Purpose: The aim of this study was to explore the patient experience of the significance of physical activity with a focus on PaP and its effect on daily life.
Method: Individual open interviews were conducted and analyzed according to qualitative content analysis. Result: An overarching theme was formulated as “PaP entails stepping from insecurity and fear to increased physical activity and independence when undertaken with individualized support.” This includes three categories: “Fear impedes physical activity”, “Overcoming fear” and “Getting support to meet individual needs in order to make progress”.
Conclusion: PaP cannot replace physiotherapy, but PaP increases self-efficacy and physical activity following hip fracture if carried out with individualized support. It is important to ask patients about their fears and the type of individualized support they need.
Physiotherapists possess knowledge about exercise physiology and the association between physical movement and health; they therefore play an important role in customized PaP.
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