Influencing factors of exercise behavior in older patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus combined with frailty: A qualitative study

Background: Frailty is the third major complication of older patients with diabetes mellitus. Exercise plays an irreplaceable role in improving the frailty and physical function of older patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM), but the compliance of exercise is not high. At present, there is little research on the influencing factors of exercise behavior in older diabetes patients with frailty. Objective: The aim of this study is to analyze the obstacles and promoting factors that affect exercise behavior from the perspective of patients, providing a basis for developing personalized exercise intervention strategies. Methods: A semi-structured face-to-face in-depth interview was conducted on older T2DM patients combined with frailty in the endocrinology department of a tertiary hospital using phenomenological research methods. Analyze data and extract topics based on COM-B system and Colaizzi seven step analysis method. Results: The themes were identified containing: capability (restriction of physical function, exercise psychology, shortage of exercise knowledge); motivation (importance recognition of exercise, exercise self-efficacy, exercise habit); opportunity (multiple external support, prescription and guidance of exercise, environment and social resources). Most sub-themes had the potential as barriers and facilitators, with the exception of capability which were highlighted as barriers. Discussion: The factors influencing the exercise behavior of older patients with T2DM combined with frailty are complex and diverse. Healthcare professionals should take targeted measures to develop personalized exercise prescriptions to improve patients' participation in exercise, maximize the benefits of exercise therapy. (c) 2025 Elsevier Inc. All rights are reserved, including those for text and data mining, AI training, and similar technologies.