Social Comparisons, Social Support, and Self-Perceptions in Group Exercise for People With Parkinson's Disease

Abstract

People with Parkinson's disease (PD) may experience declining function and limited interaction with others with PD. Group exercise provides opportunities for physical accomplishment and social support, as well as potential social challenges. We used interpretative phenomenological analysis to examine experiences of social comparison, social support, and self-perceptions of 20 people with PD in group exercise. Participants experienced (a) reticence evolving to inspiration, (b) anxiety relief through camaraderie and breaking taboos, and (c) maintaining athletic identity through participating and helping others. Practical implications include facilitating a safe space and support to alleviate anxiety and sustain participation.

Acknowledgments

We would like to thank the staff from the exercise program for their help with recruiting participants, the program members who participated in this study, and Lindley McDavid for conducting some of the interviews.