Table 4.

Patient factors GPs consider when personalising PA advice for patients from most to least commonly reported factors

Patient factors	Illustrative quotes
Patient likes and dislikes	“You need to try to find a physical activity that is both good for them and that they like” (GP15)
Pain, experience, and apprehensions	“If a patient tells me it hurts when they walk, I can be sure they aren’t going to do it” (GP6)
The PA the patient already does and their abilities	“I ask if they do sports, which some patients already do on a daily basis.” (GP9)
Age	“It depends a bit on the age and the person. I often recommend walking on flat ground, swimming, and cycling. Among the younger patients, I recommend Pilates” (GP4)
How open the patient is to change	“It is important to judge when a patient is ready to change, wants to hear about options, or wants to get better” (GP11)
Comorbidities	“When you see a patient with acute low back pain and another condition such as hypertension, diabetes or obesity, you have to approach them differently” (GP13)
Lifestyle and associated personal and professional constraints	“I encourage them to do it every day. But if they can’t, I tell them to do it every other day or when they have time” (GP8)
Season	“Patients are more motivated to go walking in the spring but in the winter, patients prefer to exercise at home” (GP8)

PA: Physical Activity; GP: General Practitioner