Group-based exercise for Parkinson’s: a qualitative study of participants’ and partners’ experiences from a community-university collaboration

Community-based exercise programmes (CBEPs) are a practical and viable approach for providing people with Parkinson’s disease (PwP) with the opportunity to exercise as an ancillary therapeutic benefit to pharmacological management. This study aimed to explore the views and experiences of exercising participants (PwP) and non-participating partners involved in an exercise class delivered through a community-university partnership. Two separate focus group discussions were conducted: one with class participants (PwP: n = 7, H&Y scale I to III), and the other with non-participating partners of PwP (n = 4). The data were then thematically analyzed. Results suggest that a range of physical, psychological, and social factors were perceived to influence engagement: 1) Actively taking control, 2) Exercise is medicine for the mind and body, and 3) Working together as a team. Participants and partners felt that the support from the group, including the instructors and student volunteers, empowered and supported PwP to proactively self-manage their health, enjoy exercise in an inclusive group setting, and develop strong social connections with others in the local Parkinson’s community. Support for exercise from healthcare professionals was identified as both an enabler and barrier to participation. Critical reflections concerning its sustainability are offered, including implications for how exercise is considered as medicine for PwP, as well as some practical recommendations to galvanize community participation and provide inclusive and viable exercise opportunities for PwP.