Objective: This study aimed to investigate how Australians with Parkinson’s disease (PD) perceive participation in physical activity, and to identify barriers and enablers.

Background: Exercise is known to limit disability progression in people with PD and individuals with higher levels of physical activity have better physical function, mobility and quality of life [1]. Despite these benefits, most people with PD have sedentary lifestyles, and do not meet recommended physical activity levels. Successful interventions to maintain or increase physical activity over long periods are scarce, and approaches using behavioural interventions to promote sustained lifestyle change are emerging. Understanding of factors that influence activity and exercise can provide insights into further development of interventions and health service provision.

Methods: This qualitative exploratory study conducted focus groups including 22 people with PD; 15 males, mean age 64.1 years (SD; 11.4), mean disease duration 6.8 years (SD 4.1). Participants attended in selected groups; young onset (n = 6), older onset (n = 8) and from rural locations (n = 8). Discussion themes explored included knowledge and personal experiences of PA and facilitators and barriers. Data were audio-recorded and transcribed. A qualitative thematic analysis was conducted based on the COM-B (Capability Opportunity Motivation Behaviour) model. [2]

Results: Participants described the interrelationships of capability, opportunity and motivation in terms of barriers and facilitators of sustained PA. Themes arising showed participants identified psychological capability as vital to maintaining activity levels, identifying determination and flexibility as key factors. Access, time and information were barriers, and expert health professional advice, social support and peer mentors were important enablers. While intrinsic motivation was another powerful theme, shame and stigma were also identified as barriers to participation and disease acceptance as a facilitator.

Conclusions: Further behavioural analysis of factors associated with sustained physical activity may guide selection and development of behavioural interventions. Interdisciplinary programs need to consider both psychological and physical barriers to regular physical activity in people with PD. Previously presented at Australian Physiotherapy Association Conference Sydney 2017

References: 1. Speelman et al. How might physical activity benefit patients with Parkinson disease? Nat Rev Neurol. 2011 Jul 12;7(9):528-34. 2. Michie et al. The behaviour change wheel: A new method for characterising and designing behaviour change interventions. Implement Sci. 2011; 6: 42.

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MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/physical-activity-in-people-with-parkinsons-disease-a-qualitative-study/