Factors Influencing Rehabilitation Exercise Behavior in Elderly Rotator Cuff Repair Patients: A Qualitative Study Based on the Theory of Behavior Change Wheel.

Purpose: With the incidence of elderly patients requiring rotator cuff repair, it is crucial to investigate the factors influencing rehabilitation exercise behavior. The theory of the behavior change wheel is used to analyze the factors that influence an individual's health behaviors. This study aimed to explore factors that can influence rehabilitation exercise behavior in elderly rotator cuff repair patients based on the theory of behavior change wheel. This is a qualitative study using thematic analysis. Methods: Data was collected through face-to-face interviews with 15 elderly rotator cuff repair patients in the traumatic upper limbs unit of the Tianjin Hospital. This study adhered to the targeted thematic analysis based on the theory of behavior change wheel. Results: Three themes and seven sub-themes were identified, including rehabilitation exercise capability-related factors (rehabilitation exercises exacerbate postoperative pain, postoperative discomfort, lack of knowledge of rehabilitation exercises), the influence of external environmental opportunity-related factors (supervision and encouragement by primary family caregivers, support and guidance from healthcare professionals), and motivation-related factors for adherence to rehabilitation exercise behavior (health beliefs, rehabilitation expectations). Conclusion: This study reveals that the rehabilitation exercise behavior in elderly rotator cuff repair patients is influenced by factors related to capability, opportunity, and motivation. Reducing postoperative pain, enhancing health belief, setting reasonable rehabilitation expectation, emphasizing social support, and expanding access to proactive information will contribute to improving the quality of rehabilitation exercises. Future research should expand the scope to include family members and caregivers to conduct a more comprehensive exploration of the influencing factors.