Components of a successful community-based exercise program for individuals with Parkinson's disease: Results from a participant survey.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the project was to examine the personal beliefs, motivators, and barriers in people with Parkinson's disease (PwPD) relating to their participation in a year-round community-based cycling program, Pedaling for Parkinson's (PFP).

DESIGN

Cross-sectional survey from a 12-month pragmatic study.

SETTING

Five community-based PFP sites.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

A survey was designed to capture the attitudes and beliefs of those participating in a PFP program. Survey responses were rated on a 5-point Likert scale (1-5; higher number representing a more positive response) assessing the subdomains of Personal Beliefs and Knowledge, Health and Disability, Program, and Fitness Environment following a 12-month exercise observational period.

RESULTS

A total of 40 PwPD completed the survey. Mean subdomain scores were as follows: 4.37 (0.41) for Personal Beliefs and Knowledge, 4.25 (0.65) for Health and Disability, 4.11 (0.53) for Program, and 4.35 (0.44) for Fitness Environment. There were no significant correlations between survey subdomains and demographic variables (age, years of education, years since diagnosis, years attending the PFP program, and disease severity) or subdomains and exercise behavior (cadence, attendance, and heart rate).

CONCLUSIONS

Regardless of demographic variables and disease severity, PwPD who attended a PFP program enjoyed the class, felt that their PD symptoms benefited from exercise, and were motivated to exercise by their PD diagnosis. Factors such as location of the gym, cost, and transportation were important. With the growing body of PD literature supporting the role of exercise in potentially altering the disease trajectory, it is critical that communities adopt and implement exercise programs that meet the needs of PwPD and facilitate compliance.