Physical activity experiences in adolescent patients with osteogenesis imperfecta

Abstract

 This research aimed to clarify the experiences in physical activity of adolescents with osteogenesis imperfecta. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with adolescents who have presented with repeated and frequent fractures, use a wheelchair or assistive equipment such as a cane on a daily basis, and are capable of verbally communicating their thoughts and feelings. A verbatim record was created from the recorded interviews and an inductive qualitative analysis was carried out. As a result, 118 codes were extracted and 4 categories generated from 28 subcategories: “day-to-day physical activity impacted by the environment and limitations on physical movement”, “putting my own limits on physical activity because of the constant fear of breaking bones”, “feeling distanced from others because I can’t be active in the same way as others and can’t gain their understanding”, and “learning how to do things my own way and feeling that I grow mentally and physically by engaging in physical activity that I make sure I’m capable of doing”. The following kinds of support were also suggested: creating opportunities for the adolescent to repeatedly practice physical movements in a way that they find acceptable, having the people around them who provide support give consideration to the content of activities, and encouraging the adolescent to seek support on their own.