Mobility - a bridge to sense of coherence in everyday life: Older patients’ experiences of participation in an exercise program during the first 3 weeks after hip fracture surgery

Abstract

Our aim with this article was to explore the experiences of older people who participated in the evidence-based High-Intensity Functional Exercise (HIFE) Program during the first 3 weeks of rehabilitation after hip fracture surgery. Nineteen older people participated in the study. Data were analyzed using systematic text condensation. One overarching theme “Exercise is the key for regaining mobility and a sense of coherence (SOC) in everyday life” emerged from the analysis in addition to these five themes: (a) understanding the existential importance of mobility; (b) maintaining a positive self-image by regaining mobility; (c) regaining one’s old life and independence in everyday living; (d) maintaining interpersonal relationships through mobility; and (e) creating positive emotions by being able to move. The findings highlight the importance of exercise as a strategy for regaining mobility, illustrated by the essential role it played in the participants’ lives after suffering a hip fracture.