Objective: To explore experiences of people with Parkinson’s (PwP) in using technology as part of a home-based visuo-cognitive training programme compared to traditional approaches to rehabilitation.

Background: Visual and cognitive dysfunction are common in PwP, and relate to mobility impairment and increased falls risk. Novel technologies and mobile applications are increasingly being used to deliver visuo-cognitive training that could replace standard rehabilitation. Multimodal rehabilitation with combined mobile application drills and stroboscopic glasses (termed technological visuo-cognitive training) could help improve complex visuo-cognitive dysfunction in PwP. As data begins to emerge to support the effectiveness of these technologies, patient perspectives offer a valuable insight into how these novel approaches to rehabilitation are received by PwP.

Method: Participants were recruited to a pilot randomised crossover trial, investigating the efficacy and feasibility of technological visuo-cognitive training compared to standard care in PwP. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with each participant on completion of the interventions to explore their experiences of each arm of the training they received (average interview length 16 mins, 6 secs). Integration of Normalisation Process Theory into the thematic analysis enabled detailed examination of the potential to embed novel technology into a home-based rehabilitation intervention for PwP.

Results: Face-to-face interviews took place with eight PwP (Age 61.1±4.2 yrs; Hoehn & Yahr stage 1.8±0.9; Disease duration 5.3±6.3 years; UPDRS III 28.9±17.0; MoCA 28.6±1.7). Participants expressed mixed attitudes towards the use of technology. Impact of fluctuating motor symptoms, perceived value of the technology, and the importance of face-to-face contact with the therapist were key factors influencing the implementation potential of the technology for PwP.

Conclusion: Our preliminary findings provide valuable insights into the challenges of engaging with technology-based interventions while living with a progressive and fluctuating disease. When considering the implementation of technology-based interventions for PwP, we therefore recommend that patients and clinicians collaborate to determine whether the technology fits the capacities, preferences, and treatment needs of the individual patient.

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MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/the-integration-of-technology-into-a-home-based-visuo-cognitive-training-intervention-for-people-with-parkinsons-a-theory-informed-qualitative-study/