Exploring the Exercise Fear Experiences of Patients With Peripheral Arterial Disease: A Qualitative Study

This study explored the exercise fear experience of patients with lower extremity arteriosclerosis obliterans. We conducted qualitative interviews and identified four core themes contributing to patients' fear of physical activity, including physical discomfort, negative psychological feelings, biased cognition, and inadequate social and medical support. The findings explained how exercise fear gradually develops and forms a vicious cycle of activity avoidance. Based on patients' real experience, we proposed a targeted exercise support framework. This research helps clinical staff better understand patients' inner barriers to exercise, carry out individualized psychological and rehabilitation interventions, improve patients' exercise adherence, and promote long-term disease rehabilitation.