Psychosocial Benefits of a Parkinson's-Specific Functional Exercise Group: A Qualitative Analysis

Abstract

Date Presented 04/03/2025

This poster presents the lived experience of individuals with Parkinson's disease, themes of redefining perspectives through internal liberation, empowerment found through a collective resilience, and renewed engagement in roles and relationships.

Primary Author and Speaker: Lauren S. Turbeville

Additional Authors and Speakers: Megan Baysek, Caroline Taylor Adams

Contributing Authors: Kenley Easter, Mary Story, Amy Wedge

Nearly one million people are living with Parkinson's disease (PD) in the U.S. today. This diagnosis affects physical and cognitive functions, often impacting the overall quality of life and perception of well-being for those with the disease. Individuals in this study consisted of adults with PD who participated in an interdisciplinary functional exercise program twice a week for 8 weeks. In addition to traditional motor interventions, cognitive and social approaches were used in various activities to promote occupational participation and social engagement.

PUROSE: This qualitative study explored the psychosocial impacts of a PD-specific, functional exercise program.

DESIGN AND METHOD: Phenomenological analysis of participant responses (n = 8) to open-ended questions included three rounds of coding. Trustworthiness of analysis was ensured through prolonged engagement with the data, addition of researchers outside the interviewing team, and peer debriefing.

RESULTS: Themes of 1) Redefining perspectives through internal liberation, 2) Empowerment found through a collective resilience, and 3) Renewed engagement in roles and relationships emerged. Social support, community, and a collective sense of belonging proved to be an integral piece of the positive outcomes gained through the group. Participants reported feeling more in control of their future and developed a more positive perspective on living with PD; moving away from negativity and embracing hope. Additionally, participants described a renewed sense of connection and re-engagement with those around them, driven by their shifted perspective on how PD will impact their roles, routines, and lifestyles.

CONCLUSION: This study provides valuable insights into the lived experiences of individuals with PD and the overall psychosocial impact of a PD-specific exercise group. Practitioners can use this knowledge for PD-specific program development which can be directly translated into clinical practice.

References

Willis, A. W., Roberts, E., Beck, J. C., Fiske, B., Ross, W., Savica, R., Van Den Eeden, S. K., Tanner, C. M., & Marras, C. (2022). Incidence of Parkinson's disease in North America. Parkinson’s Disease, 8(1), Article 1. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41531-022-00410-y

Tsukita, K., Sakamaki-Tsukita, H., & Takahashi, R. (2022). Long-term effect of regular physical activity and exercise habits in patients with early Parkinson disease. Neurology, 98(8), e859–e871. https://doi.org/10.1212/WNL.0000000000013218

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