The purpose of this study was to use phenomenological perspectives to identify the meaning and structure of the exercise experiences in patients with low back pain. The participants were 20 patients who live in one city. The patients were asked to describe their exercise experiences. With permission of the subjects, the interviews were recorded and transcribed. Colaizzi's method was used for the phenomenological analysis. The investigator analysed the data to identify and categorize themes and basic structural elements. The process of the exercise experiences in patients with low back pain has three proposed phases pre-exercise phase, exercise phase, post-exercise phase. 150 formulating meanings, 54 themes, 20 theme clusters were identified. The interview data were organized by theme clusters into 9 categories : 'difficulties with activities of Daily Living', 'Psychological Distress', 'Support', 'Effectiveness after Exercise', 'Confidence of Healing', 'Importance of Exercise', 'Exorcise Self-Efficacy', 'Control', and 'Barrier'. Since the importance of exercise and exercise self-efficacy were identified as significant factors in this study, it may be important to plan nursing interventions to assist clients to realize the exercise self-efficacy and importance of exercise. Also, continuous support from health professionals, family, and experienced persons are needed. Further strategies for reducing barriers should be devised.
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