@article{article_1696263, title={PERCEIVED BARRIERS AND FACILITATORS TO EXERCISE ADHERENCE IN PEOPLE WITH PARKINSON’S DISEASE}, journal={Samsun Sağlık Bilimleri Dergisi}, volume={10}, pages={251–266}, year={2025}, DOI={10.47115/jshs.1696263}, author={Akgün, İrem and Yaşar, Harun and Duruk, Ümit and Oğuz, Semra and Demirbüken, İlkşan}, keywords={Barriers, Facilitators, Exercise, Parkinson’s Disease}, abstract={Aim: The aim of this study was to examine the barriers and facilitators affecting participation in exercise programs among individuals with early-stage Parkinson’s disease. Method: This qualitative study included a focus group of 13 Parkinson’s disease patients. Interviews were conducted by preparing semi-structured questions between 01.03.2021 and 01.05.2021. Sessions were recorded on online platforms (zoom, skype). Interviews were transcribed verbatim after the meeting and analysed using content analysis to identify key themes related to exercise adherence. This analysis quantified qualitative data by aggregating frequently occurring words and themes, revealing several significant factors influencing adherence to exercise programs. Results: Overall, participants identified 15 barriers and 8 facilitators to exercise adherence. Four main themes were identified describing the factors that both hindered and facilitated exercise adherence. These themes consisted of body structure and function, participation, personal factors, and environmental factors. The top barriers were showing Parkinson’s motor symptoms, previous low level of physical activity or low participation, transportation, and discomfort at seeing peers’ symptoms progress while exercising in a group. On the other hand, awareness about the positive effects of exercise on Parkinson’s disease motor and non-motor symptoms, education about the benefits of exercise, exercising with an expert, and professional support for exercise motivated exercise adherence in Parkinson’s disease patients. Conclusions and Recommendations: Exercise adherence is impacted by motor symptoms. However, educating patients about the benefits of exercise and providing regular guidance from physiotherapists were found to motivate exercise adherence by increasing patient belief that their motor symptoms will decrease.}, number={2}, publisher={Ondokuz Mayıs University}