A hybrid delivery of exercise for physical self-management in people with Parkinson’s Disease – a single-arm feasibility study with pre and post-test design
Parkinson’s Disease
Power-PD, Power-PD is a 12-week physical self-management intervention designed specifically for people with Parkinson's. It consists of Parkinson's-specific exercise and peer-supported discussions to support physical activity habits. It is delivered in a hybrid format allowing participants to flexibly attend either online or in-person. A physiotherapist and rehabilitation assistant will run the class. They will have experience working with people with Parkinson’s. They’ll give feedback, adjust exercises as needed, and help everyone feel supported. Each weekly session lasts 90 minutes. People can join in person or online (hybrid approach). Each group will have up to 10 participants to help manage safety during the class. A safety check for participants will be completed prior to participating in the group to make sure they are safe to do the exercise class at home. Each weekly class will involve a 45-60-minute exercise circuit that includes: 1. Warm-up and cool-down. 2. Exercises that are specific to people with Parkinson's disease and focus on strength, balance, aerobic fitness, flexibility and coordination. These exercises are designed to challenge both the body and the brain but will be tailored to each person’s ability. Following the exercise circuit there will be a 20-30-minute peer support session where participants will share discussions with each other. Each week will have a focus and address topics embedded in behaviour changes and self-management principles such as: Reflection, sharing experiences, goal setting, learning from previous experiences, identifying what makes it easier and harder to be physically active, learn strategies to stay active and motivated, and identifying future physical activity opportunities Participants will be provided with a Power-PD booklet. This includes helpful tools designed to support a change in behaviour to be more physically active including: a physical activity diary, weekly reflection guides, exercise information and
1. Community-dwelling adults with a clinical diagnosis of idiopathic Parkinson's disease 2. Stable medication (if taking any) for >3/52 3. Able to mobilise independently with/without walking aid outdoors and independently without walking aid indoors (equivalent to Hoehn & Yahr (PD rating scale) I-III)
1. Inability to participate in exercise e.g., due to physical, mental or cognitive co-morbidities e.g., heart or lung conditions, uncontrolled diabetes ,other neurological disorders, cancer or musculoskeletal conditions e.g., back pain or severe arthritis 2. Inability to consent or complete outcome measures 3. Severe, unpredictable motor fluctuations 4. Participated in an exercise and/or self-management intervention specifically for Parkinson's disease within the last 12 months