Objective: (1) To identify common barriers and limitations related to the delivery of Parkinson’s disease (PD) exercise classes; (2) To recommend interventions with widespread applicability to improve provision.

Background: Exercise holds potential neuroprotective benefits for patients with PD and has been shown to improve stiffness, gait and balance (ref). Exercise class provision across the UK is supported by Parkinson’s UK. However, not all areas provide classes. Facilitating comprehensive exercise class provision will not only benefit patients, but also provide an infrastructure to evaluate potential benefits of exercise. We therefore conducted an evaluation of exercise class provision.

Methods: A total of 14 Parkinson’s UK localities exist in Devon and Cornwall, of which 11 (79%) provided data. Telephone interviews consisting of open-ended questions were conducted with volunteer branch members. Two different sets of questionnaires were utilised based on whether branches provided exercises classes (72%) or not (27%). Data were categorised and analysed using Excel 2010.

Results: Of the 8 branches providing exercise classes, difficulties were reported with funding(4), shortage of volunteers to set up and supervise classes(6), lack of volunteers to organise and book classes(2), instructor availability(3), publicity(2) and location(1). Transport was unanimously reported as a barrier for patients to attend classes(8). Lack of motivation(4) and personal ideas and concerns(5) were also identified as barriers. Half of the branches did not offer a paid taxi service for patients, due to funding constraints. Of the three branches not providing exercise classes, none had attempted regular classes and yet all claimed that members would favour exercise classes. The lack of a leading volunteer willing to organise classes was the most common reason for this(2).

Conclusions: Possible solutions to overcome identified barriers include utilising physiotherapy students to run classes, additional support specifically for transport and Parkinson’s UK-facilitated administrative support for class management, to relieve the burden on local volunteers. These solutions are being piloted in localities across Devon where currently no PD exercise class exists. Reference: Goodwin VA, et al. The effectiveness of exercise interventions for people with Parkinson’s disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Mov Disord 2008;23:631-40.

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MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/improving-provision-of-parkinsons-disease-exercise-classes/