Artificial-Intelligence informed exercise prescriptions in primary care: Perspectives from people with long-term conditions, their carers, and healthcare professionals

Background Exercise is an important component of managing Long-Term Conditions (LTCs) and can improve health outcomes. Artificial intelligence (AI)-based exercise prescription software has the potential to support exercise amongst people with LTC. However, its adoption in primary care requires consideration of the perspectives of patients, carers, and healthcare professionals, particularly in relation to benefits, concerns, and practical issues for implementation. Methods A qualitative study was conducted with four online focus groups. This included two groups of people living with LTCs and/or their informal carers (n = 7), and two groups with healthcare professionals (n = 6). Semi-structured topic guides were used, and discussions were transcribed verbatim, and analysed thematically following Braun and Clarke’s six-phase framework. Results Six themes were identified: (1) understanding and trusting AI in physical activity tools; (2) positioning AI tools within everyday primary care; (3) reaching and engaging those at risk of being overlooked; (4) making AI a practical partner in self-management; (5) the role of AI in health and physical fitness; and (6) personalisation and safety in AI. Participants recognised benefits including reduced administrative burden, integration with existing systems, and personalised motivational feedback. Concerns were raised about safety, governance, and data transparency. Adoption was seen as reliant on clinician and patient buy-in, minimal workflow disruption, clear referral pathways, and hybrid human–digital support. Inclusive, user-friendly design—such as multilingual options, large fonts, and simplified interfaces—was considered essential to address barriers such as language needs, digital literacy, and socioeconomic constraints. Prior experiences with apps and wearables influenced expectations, with fragmented systems driving calls for a centralised hub. Conclusions AI-based exercise prescription software could enhance exercise support for people with LTCs if designed with transparency, safety, and personalisation. Effective integration into primary care will need to streamline workflows, provide hybrid human–digital support, and use inclusive design to engage diverse users.