A study of perceived facilitators to physical activity in neurological conditions

Abstract

Aims The study aimed to determine the opinions of individuals with neurological conditions on factors facilitating their physical activity participation. Methods Four condition-specific focus groups (muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, motor neurone disease and Parkinson's disease) were run with a total of 24 people. Themes that emerged were used to create an eight-item self-completed questionnaire, which explored barriers to participation, preferred activities and support networks. A cross-sectional survey was then conducted using this questionnaire with individuals with a range of neurological conditions. Findings Three themes categories emerged from the focus groups: ‘opinions of physical activity’, ‘barriers to physical activity’, and ‘factors that would encourage increased physical activity involvement’. Of the 115 distributed questionnaires, 80 (70%) responses were received. Swimming, stretching and walking were the three most popular activities. The most common barriers were embarrassment, perceived lack of condition-specific knowledge of the fitness professionals about neurological disease and the impact of that on exercise advice. Facilitators were use of specific groupbased exercise sessions and the presence of specifically trained staff. Conclusions People with neurological conditions enjoy participating in physical activity but reported several barriers that prevent their participation in exercise. Respondents identified barriers and facilitators in functional, psychological and environmental domains. It is important that healthcare professionals and fitness professionals identify and remove these barriers to promote greater participation in exercise among people with neurological conditions.

Barriers and Facilitators Related to Participation in Aquafitness Programs for People with Multiple Sclerosis

“…Although the value of a knowledgeable instructor who understands how to adapt activities for people with disabilities has been previously recognized, 13,17 the present study highlights the great influence of this factor on people's continued participation in the program. Moreover, while other studies have identified instructors' lack of assistance, lack of knowledge about MS, and lack of training in disease-specific AF programs as barriers to participation of people with MS, 13,16,21 the participants in this study identified strong interpersonal skills as a central feature of AF instructor effectiveness.…”

“…environment such as small changing rooms and narrow aisles can act to enable or restrict participation. 16,26 A new finding in this study was the identification of stairs with a railing as a preferred pool entry method rather than a traditional stepladder.…”

“…Barriers and facilitators can be factors inherent within the individual (including symptoms of MS and psychological factors), factors in the physical and social environments, or factors related to the occupation itself. [14][15][16] Literature indicates that people with MS encounter an array of barriers to participation in leisure and physical activity in general, 12,17,18 while there is less information specific to people with MS and AF programs. A meta-analysis found that MS patients' levels of physical activity are lower than those of the general population 19 ; however, people with MS report that finding ways to incorporate physical activity into their lives is important.…”

“…13,16 Because individual support may be a key factor limiting participation in these activities, creative solutions need to be devised to provide oneon-one support both during and after the AF class.…”

Barriers and Facilitators Related to Rehabilitation Stays in Multiple Sclerosis

“…This is in line with studies of participation in physical activities among people with MS and other chronic diseases. [30][31][32][33][34] Also, the need for improvement in infor-information about rehabilitation of people with MS. There also seems to be potential for better physician communication skills, particularly in the initial phase of the disease.…”