Investigating Online Engagement in a Fine Motor Exercise Program among Rock Steady Boxing Participants – An Exploratory Study

Abstract

Objective

This qualitative study examined motivators, facilitators, and barriers for individuals with Parkinson’s Disease (PD) in an online fine motor exercise program supplemental to Rock Steady Boxing.

Design, Setting, and Participants

A purposive sample of 6 individuals with PD underwent semi-structured interviews and follow-up member check sessions via Zoom. Data were analyzed through an inductive approach by developing generalizations from themes discovered during the interviews.

Main Outcome and Measures

Three common themes were identified: ‘acknowledging that participation in exercise can fight the disease’, ‘integrating and forming habits’, and ‘recognizing improvement in function’. Each theme categorized as a motivator, facilitator or barrier for engagement in the fine motor exercises program.

Conclusions

Understanding motivators, facilitators, and barriers for individuals with PD to improve engagement in an online fine motor exercise program may lead to better program planning for future virtual learning programs.

Keywords:

• Parkinson’s disease
• fine motor skills
• exercise therapy
• function
• habits
• participation
• symptom regression
• occupation

Acknowledgments

We would like to thank Natalie Barrales, OTR/L, Jan Martha Conducto, OTR/L, Christine Kim, OTR/L and Emilio Villavicencio, OTR/L for designing and providing us the Knockout PD program, and Eleanor Brewer, OTR/L, and Noemie Von Kaenel, OTR/L for delivering the Knockout PD program to our participants. We also would like to thank Ms. Pam Manwaring, Ms. Sharlene Schneier, Ms. Deeann Kelly and Mr. Erik Lindberg-Hernandez for their tireless support at Rock Steady Boxing, Marin California. We would like to give a special shout out to all the Knockout PD participants. Let’s knock out Parkinson’s Disease one punch at a time!

Disclosure statement

The authors report there are no competing interests to declare.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the California Endowment Grant and the LSVT FY20 Student Grants for graduate students in Occupational Therapy.