Views of in-person and virtual group exercise before and during the pandemic in people with Parkinson disease

PM R. 2023 Jun;15(6):772-779. doi: 10.1002/pmrj.12848. Epub 2022 Aug 8.

Abstract

Introduction: Due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), many health/wellness programs transitioned from in-person to virtual. This mixed-methods study aims to explore the perceptions of older adults with Parkinson disease (PD) regarding in-person versus virtual-based Parkinson-specific exercise classes (PDEx).

Objective: Explore experiences, perceptions, and perceived effect of participating in and transitioning from in-person to virtual PDEx in people with Parkinson disease (PwPD).

Design: Cross-sectional mixed-methods design using an online survey and focus groups.

Setting: PwPD who participated in an in-person and virtual PDEx (n = 26) were recruited to participate and completed online surveys and focus groups from their home during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Participants: PwPD who participated in an in-person and virtual PDEx and agreed to participate completed an online survey (n = 16; male = 8; mean age = 74 years) and focus groups (n = 9; male = 4; mean age = 75 years).

Interventions: N/A MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Participants completed survey questions and participated in focus groups regarding their perceptions, attitudes, and perceived changes in PD-related symptoms since participating in the PDEx, as well as barriers and facilitators to participating in virtual PDEx.

Results: Participants felt PDEx was somewhat to very safe and beneficial. In the computer, comfort, and perceptions survey, participants reported perceived improved mobility (63%), balance (75%), and overall health (63%) since participating the PDEx, whereas some participants reported improved mental health (38%). Participants reported minimal difficulty with accessing virtual PDEx. Most participants stated that they would prefer to participate in a combination of in-person and virtual programming. Focus-group participants emphasized that virtual PDEx provided social and emotional support and improved confidence to perform and maintain an exercise regimen.

Conclusion: PwPD who transitioned from an in-person to a virtual PDEx felt the program was safe, effective, and improved or prevented declines in their mobility and balance. PwPD who transitioned to a virtual PDEx also reported benefits in non-motor symptoms such as social isolation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • COVID-19* / epidemiology
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Pandemics
  • Parkinson Disease*
  • Physical Therapy Modalities