RR-PL-0647

Thursday 08:30, Fira Palace Hotel, Vivaldi

SURVEY OF COMMUNITY-BASED GROUP EXERCISE PROGRAMS FOR PERSONS WITH PARKINSON’S DISEASE. Klassen L, Rosten J; School of Physical Therapy. University of Saskatchewan. Saskatoon. Canada PURPOSE: The survey was conducted to assist in the review of a community-based group program for Parkinson’s Disease (PD). Dissemination of survey results should assist others in reviewing and developing similar programs. RELEVANCE: Group programs are efficient methods of delivering health maintenance interventions for chronic progressive diseases and are more likely than individualised programs to address social and emotional needs associated with such diseases. SUBJECTS: Responses were received from 23 programs. METHODS: Thirty-nine questionnaires were distributed to programs that were identified using an Internet search of chapters of Parkinson’s Societies/Foundations and a request for volunteers published in the newsletter ‘Synapse’. The questionnaire requested general information, as well as information about assessment, exercise, and education. ANALYSES: Means, frequencies, ranges and rankings were calculated using an Excel Spreadsheet, Microsoft Office1998. RESULTS: Twenty-three questionnaires were returned (response rate = 59%). Programs were categorised by condition (PD Specific or Neuromuscular/Geriatric), by method (land-based or other) and by country. The results for eleven PD specific, land-based, Canadian programs are presented. Seven programs were delivered in health care facilities rather than in community facilities, and five required a physician’s consent prior to program access. Five programs ran 52 weeks of the year, with the remainder ranging from twelve to 40 weeks per year. Eight programs provided 1 class per week, while the remainder provided either two or four. Exercise classes were most commonly 60 minutes in duration. The highest participant cost per exercise class was $6.00. Four programs were delivered at no cost to participants. Average group size per class was 12.8. Six of eleven exercise programs were delivered by physical therapists; two were delivered jointly by a physical therapist and exercise therapist. Four programs used standardised measures to assess potential participants. The most common variables assessed were ROM, strength, balance and gait. Respondents rated exercise program components, in order of emphasis/importance as follows: range of motion/flexibility (most), posture, balance, strength, motor planning, deep breathing, training in mobility functions, physical endurance, and relaxation (least). All programs used music. One program used aerobic training equipment. Seven of eleven programs provided education sessions. CONCLUSIONS: Group programs are being used across Canada to deliver health maintenance programs to people with PD. Impairments in joint mobility/muscle extensibility, posture and balance are emphasised. Physical endurance training receives relatively little emphasis despite the potential impact of limited endurance upon functional independence.