A recent study by a group of academic physiotherapists in Australia used a discrete-choice experiment to determine the preferences of people with PD regarding exercise programmes that they could add to their daily routines. Although many people who participated in the study already did some exercise as part of their daily routine, few met appropriate exercise guidelines.
Unsurprisingly, people with PD are more willing to participate in exercise programmes that cost less and involve less travel. However, there were some other important findings. For example, people with PD were more interested in programmes that are supervised by qualified professionals.
They were also more interested in exercise programmes that would provide physical and psychological benefits. Men were more likely to consider adopting strengthening exercises, whereas women were averse to adopting aerobic exercise. To facilitate more exercise among people with PD, healthcare services should provide programs aligned with these factors.
> From: Paul et al., J Physiother 67 (2021) 49-55 . All rights reserved to Australian Physiotherapy Association. Click here for the online summary.
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