Goals in motion: exploring goal setting among adults living with HIV who participated in an online community-based exercise intervention.

Introduction: Adults living with HIV may experience various health-related challenges in life. Exercise has been shown to provide numerous benefits. However, the specific goals that individuals aim to achieve through exercise are not well-documented. Our aim was to explore goal setting among adults living with HIV who participated in an online community-based exercise (CBE) intervention.

Methods: We conducted a multi-method, longitudinal study using data from a 12-month online CBE intervention study involving 6-month intervention and follow-up phases. Goal Attainment Scaling was used to quantify the number and types of goals set and achieved at each phase. We analyzed interview data with a subsample to identify experiences with and factors influencing goal setting.

Results: Thirty-two participants initiated the intervention and were included in analyses. The majority were men (69%); median age of 53 years. Participants articulated a median of four goals before and after the intervention, most commonly related to increasing muscle, reducing weight, and improving strength. Approximately 50% of goals were achieved at the end of intervention and follow-up phases. Interview data (n = 10) indicated goal setting was influenced by personal health concerns, family, and perceived obligations to research. Most found goal setting personal and helpful, while some experienced challenges.

Conclusions: Adults living with HIV prioritized physical-health-related goals during an online CBE intervention, with diverse experiences influencing their goal-setting process. Findings may inform the design and evaluation of online exercise programs for adults living with HIV.

Clinical trial registration: identifier (NCT05006391).