Views of in-person and virtual group exercise before and during the pandemic in people with Parkinson disease

Introduction Due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), many health/wellness programs transitioned from in-person to virtual. This mixed-methods study aims to explore the perceptions of older adults with Parkinson disease (PD) regarding in-person versus virtual-based Parkinson-specific exercise classes (PDEx). Objective Explore experiences, perceptions, and perceived effect of participating in and transitioning from in-person to virtual PDEx in people with Parkinson disease (PwPD). Design Cross-sectional mixed-methods design using an online survey and focus groups. Setting PwPD who participated in an in-person and virtual PDEx (n = 26) were recruited to participate and completed online surveys and focus groups from their home during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants PwPD who participated in an in-person and virtual PDEx and agreed to participate completed an online survey (n = 16; male = 8; mean age = 74 years) and focus groups (n = 9; male = 4; mean age = 75 years). Interventions N/A Main Outcome Measures Participants completed survey questions and participated in focus groups regarding their perceptions, attitudes, and perceived changes in PD-related symptoms since participating in the PDEx, as well as barriers and facilitators to participating in virtual PDEx. Results Participants felt PDEx was somewhat to very safe and beneficial. In the computer, comfort, and perceptions survey, participants reported perceived improved mobility (63%), balance (75%), and overall health (63%) since participating the PDEx, whereas some participants reported improved mental health (38%). Participants reported minimal difficulty with accessing virtual PDEx. Most participants stated that they would prefer to participate in a combination of in-person and virtual programming. Focus-group participants emphasized that virtual PDEx provided social and emotional support and improved confidence to perform and maintain an exercise regimen. Conclusion PwPD who transitioned from an in-person to a virtual PDEx felt the program was safe, effective, and improved or prevented declines in their mobility and balance. PwPD who transitioned to a virtual PDEx also reported benefits in non-motor symptoms such as social isolation.