Participant expectations and experiences of a tailored physiotherapy intervention for people with Parkinson’s and a history of falls
Roswell, A; Ashburn, A; Fitton, C; et al.Goodwin, V; Hulbert, S; Lamb, S; McIntosh, E; Nieuwboer, A; Pickering, R; Rochester, L; Seymour, K; Ballinger, C
Date: 23 June 2020
Article
Journal
Disability and Rehabilitation
Publisher
Taylor & Francis
Publisher DOI
Abstract
Purpose
People with Parkinson’s are twice as likely to fall as older people within the general
population. This longitudinal qualitative study was part of a larger programme of research
including a randomised controlled trial to test the effectiveness of a tailored physiotherapy
intervention. Specific qualitative aims focused on a ...
Purpose
People with Parkinson’s are twice as likely to fall as older people within the general
population. This longitudinal qualitative study was part of a larger programme of research
including a randomised controlled trial to test the effectiveness of a tailored physiotherapy
intervention. Specific qualitative aims focused on a subsample of trial participants in the
intervention arm of the trial, and comprised the following:
- To explore the expectations of participants about the intervention
- To investigate participants’ experiences of the intervention, and its perceived impacts
- To understand the facilitators and barriers to engagement
Methods
Two semi-structured interviews were completed with a theoretical sample of people with
Parkinson’s from the intervention arm, initially after randomisation but before the
intervention commenced, and then again six months later.
Results
Forty two participants out of a large clinical trial were interviewed initially, with 37 agreeing
to a second interview at six months. Prior experience of rehabilitation plus information
accessed through the trial consent procedure informed participants’ realistic expectations.
Most found the level of the intervention acceptable, and perceived a range of benefits.
However, views about equipment provided were more equivocal. The biggest barriers to
participation were time and motivation, whilst social support facilitated engagement with the
intervention.
Conclusion
This study is the first to capture expectations about participation in a programme of exercises
and strategies. It highlights that previous challenges to engagement in physical exercises and
activities are not a barrier to future participation and provides new insights into the role of
equipment and technology in programmes of physical activity for people with Parkinson’s.
The challenge of ensuring that programmes of exercise and strategies become an embedded
feature of everyday life is highlighted, particularly alongside busy social engagements and
leisure pursuits.
Institute of Health Research
Collections of Former Colleges
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