Objective: To explore participant and therapist perspectives on how a culturally adapted remote coaching program supports engagement in physical activity among PwPD in Qatar.

Background: Regular physical activity is recommended for people with Parkinson’s disease (PwPD) to improve mobility, balance, and quality of life, but sustaining engagement is challenging due to motivational barriers, fluctuating symptoms, and limited access to programs. Behavioral coaching may help through goal-setting, self-monitoring, and sustained motivation. Remote coaching offers scalable rehabilitation in regions with few culturally adapted programs, yet little is known about how PwPD experience such interventions in Arabic-speaking contexts.

Method: This qualitative study was conducted alongside the Engage-Qatar PD pilot trial, an 8-week remote coaching program promoting sustained physical activity. The program combined goal-setting, structured exercise guidance, wearable monitoring, and regular remote coachingSemi-structured interviews with PwPD, alongside therapist reflections and coaching logs, were analyzed. Data were transcribed, translated as needed, and examined using reflexive thematic analysis guided by the COM-B (Capability, Opportunity, Motivation–Behavior) framework.

Results: Four themes influenced engagement. (1) Increased motivation and awareness: participants reported understanding the importance of exercise and renewed motivation, with perceived improvements in mobility, balance, energy, and daily functioning. (2) Behavioral support: Coaching strategies—including goal-setting, feedback, and progress monitoring—helped participants establish routines and stay accountable. (3) Social and contextual facilitators: therapist guidance and family encouragement supported engagement and confidence. (4) Practical barriers: some reported fatigue, competing responsibilities, and digital difficulties. Although some preferred face-to-face interaction, many valued remote delivery, exercise videos, wearable monitoring, and online platforms.

Conclusion: Remote coaching with personalized guidance and activity monitoring may enhance physical activity engagement among PwPD in Qatar. Integrating behavioral coaching with culturally responsive digital rehabilitation may improve accessibility and sustainability of Parkinson’s rehabilitation programs in the Middle East.

« Back to 2026 International Congress

MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/how-remote-coaching-enables-engagement-in-physical-activity-for-people-with-parkinsons-disease-in-qatar-a-qualitative-study-of-participant-and-therapist-perspectives/