Relevance of therapist feedback in the context of group-based exercise programs in medical rehabilitation - Results from a qualitative study with patients and exercise therapists

BackgroundAlthough group-based exercise programs account for nearly half of exercise therapy services provided in German medical rehabilitation facilities, information regarding the application and effects of therapist feedback in this setting is sparse. Therefore, the aim of this qualitative study was to develop an understanding of the relevance of therapist feedback in the context of group-based exercise programs from the patients' and therapists' perspective.MethodsSemi-structured interviews were conducted with five rehabilitation patients as well as five exercise therapists with work experience in group-based exercise therapy. Data were analysed using structuring content analysis.ResultsThree types of therapist feedback with respective modalities and characteristics were identified. Besides corrective feedback to support the patients' exercise instruction, motivational feedback and performance feedback were used to aid the strengthening of psychological resources. Although therapist feedback constituted an important component of patient-therapist-interaction, evidence suggesting a facilitation of coping strategies, participation or long-term physical activity adherence was sparse.ConclusionsWhile therapist feedback in group-based exercise programs likely aids the recovery of physical and psychological functions, its potential to promote the long-term goals of exercise therapy in medical rehabilitation appears to be underutilised.