Ahern, L.; Curtin, C.; Timmons, S.; Lamb, S.E.; McCullagh, R. “Exercise… to Me, It’s Freedom”: Motivation, Support, and Self-Management to Keep Physically Active with Parkinson’s Disease: A Qualitative Study. Geriatrics 2024, 9, 92, doi:10.3390/geriatrics9040092.
Ahern, L.; Curtin, C.; Timmons, S.; Lamb, S.E.; McCullagh, R. “Exercise… to Me, It’s Freedom”: Motivation, Support, and Self-Management to Keep Physically Active with Parkinson’s Disease: A Qualitative Study. Geriatrics 2024, 9, 92, doi:10.3390/geriatrics9040092.
Ahern, L.; Curtin, C.; Timmons, S.; Lamb, S.E.; McCullagh, R. “Exercise… to Me, It’s Freedom”: Motivation, Support, and Self-Management to Keep Physically Active with Parkinson’s Disease: A Qualitative Study. Geriatrics 2024, 9, 92, doi:10.3390/geriatrics9040092.
Ahern, L.; Curtin, C.; Timmons, S.; Lamb, S.E.; McCullagh, R. “Exercise… to Me, It’s Freedom”: Motivation, Support, and Self-Management to Keep Physically Active with Parkinson’s Disease: A Qualitative Study. Geriatrics 2024, 9, 92, doi:10.3390/geriatrics9040092.
Abstract
Objective: To explore motivation to exercise, support, and self-management needs among people with Parkinson’s (PwP), family-members and physiotherapists. Methods: Purposeful and maximum difference sampling methods (age, sex, geographical setting, and disease severity) were employed. PwP and family-members were recruited through physiotherapy services and local support groups. Semi-structured interviews with 12 PwP, focus groups with four family-members, and five physiotherapists were conducted. Interview guides were informed by patient-public input, and a recent systematic review. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analysed using thematic analysis. Results: Four common themes emerged: 1) The value of an intrinsic connection with exercise: but there are challenges.A greater connection to exercise led to long-term compliance. 2)Tailoring exercise is essential. Preferred exercises and environments were mixed, with differences emerging between sexes. 3)Physiotherapists’ aim to only maintain physical function led to frustration. Limited self-management opportunities, stigma and dehumanisation were discussed. 4)Non-motor symptoms, stigma, fear, and determination. Apathy, pain, and low mood were discussed. Conclusion: Exercise provided physical, emotional, and social rewards. Supports are necessary; however, challenges arise when PwP’s motivation are mismatched to family-members’ and physiotherapists’ goals. Co-created goals, tailored to their preferences, and exercise plans with supported self-management are recommended.
Keywords
Parkinson’s disease; exercise; physiotherapists; social stigma; qualitative research
Subject
Public Health and Healthcare, Public Health and Health Services
Copyright:
This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.