Graduation Year
2023
Document Type
Capstone Project
Project Type
Qualitative Study
Degree Name
Master of Science in Occupational Therapy
Program
Occupational Therapy
Program Chair
Gina Tucker-Roghi OTD, OTR/L, BCG
Faculty Advisor
Kitsum Li OTD, OTR/L, CSRS
Abstract
Exercise has been found to slow the progression of Parkinson's Disease (PD) symptoms which can increase independence for daily activities and overall quality of life. In order for the benefits of exercise to continue after a program is completed, integration of the exercises into everyday life may lead to long-term adherence. Through the use of semi-structured interviews, this study investigated if increasing facilitators while decreasing barriers improves adherence to home exercise programs, leading to the establishment of exercise integrated habits in People with Parkinson’s Disease (PwPD). This study found that long-term adherence was achieved by participants. The themes related to adherence that emerged from the data include promoting participation in everyday activities, utilizing individualized support, and being held accountable. These findings may help further the comprehension for Occupational Therapy practitioners of habit formation and long-term adherence to foster engagement in meaningful occupations in PwPD.