# Accelerating the translation of findings from the MoTrPAC study to benefit clinical care: a qualitative analysis

## TL;DR

This study explores how to better share findings from the MoTrPAC exercise research with clinicians to improve patient care.

## Contribution

The paper introduces insights from clinicians on how to effectively disseminate exercise research findings.

## Key findings

- Clinicians reported underuse of exercise testing due to provider and patient barriers.
- Participants emphasized the need for clear, practical takeaways from exercise research.
- Direct dissemination strategies were preferred by clinicians for receiving research findings.

## Abstract

The Molecular Transducers of Physical Activity Consortium (MoTrPAC) is a large-scale research study aimed at elucidating the effects of exercise training on the molecular mechanisms underlying the health benefits of exercise and physical activity. To take a first step toward achieving a goal of rapid dissemination, a qualitative analysis among frontline clinicians was conducted to identify the perceived clinical relevance of exercise research, MoTrPAC discoveries, and optimal ways to disseminate these results to key stakeholders.

A convenience sample of 12 clinicians in internal medicine, family medicine, and emergency medicine agreed to participate in one-on-one interviews. Interviews were conducted over the phone by a member of the Wake Forest Qualitative and Patient-Reported Outcomes (Q-PRO) Shared Resource. Transcripts were stored and coded in ATLAS.ti version 24 software. Two Q-PRO members developed code summaries, which were synthesized into themes and organized using principles of reflexive thematic analysis.

Clinicians (n = 12) were predominantly male (n = 7), non-Hispanic White (n = 5), located in California (n = 10), and practiced in a Primary Care/Family Medicine setting (n = 6). Clinicians reported underuse of exercise testing due to provider-level and patient-level barriers. While they valued exercise research, they emphasized the need for clear, practical takeaways and preferred direct dissemination strategies.

These interviews highlighted the variable nature of exercise research dissemination and implementation and are the first steps toward shaping the dissemination of valuable scientific discoveries from the MoTrPAC study.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12875-025-03030-6.