Abstract
Highlights
- First study exploring healthcare professional’s practice and perspective on exercise promotion for people with Parkinson’s.
- Understanding on the role of exercise in PD management and baseline activity levels more often assessed by physiotherapists.
- Referrals to physiotherapy services tend to occur when function declines, not around the time of diagnosis.
- Lack of confidence in prescribing exercises to people with Parkinson’s is reported by 52% of physicians and 41% of nurses.
- Key topics in activity promotion: evidence on the role of specific exercise in PD management and support groups signposting.
Abstract
Objectives
Exercise and physical activity (PA) are increasingly recognized as important components in the management of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Their promotion at diagnosis is essential for better management of symptoms and overall well-being. Healthcare professionals (HCPs) are pivotal to the promotion of exercise and PA, but there is limited guidance on the content of such interventions. This study describes current practice, and explores views of HCPs around PA and exercise promotion at diagnosis for people with PD (PwP)
Design
A cross-sectional study using an anonymous online survey.
Participants
HCPs working with PwP in the UK.
Results
Twenty-nine doctors, 17 nurses and 106 physiotherapists completed the survey. All nurses, 99% of physiotherapists and 72% of doctors reported that they always promote exercise and PA during clinic appointments. HCPs identified how PA impacts PD symptoms, evidence on the role of exercise, and signposting to support groups as core topics in PA promotion for PwP. However, these topics are mainly addressed during physiotherapy appointments. Referrals to physiotherapy occur most frequently when PwP experience falls or mobility issues, rather than at diagnosis. HCPs (52% doctors and 41% of nurses) identified lack of confidence as a barrier to prescribing exercise to PwP.
Conclusion
The importance of promoting PA at diagnosis is widely acknowledged by HCPs. There are variations between disciplines in terms of the tools used, and the timing and duration of interventions. Previously identified barriers to exercise promotion were also found in this study, and should be explored further in order to aid the implementation of effective interventions.