Views of men with Parkinson’s Disease regarding physical activity health messaging

Elsevier

Available online 20 August 2022, 101370

Disability and Health JournalAbstractBackground

Many men with Parkinson’s Disease (PD) do not meet the recommended levels of physical activity (PA) for health benefits. Tailored, meaningful and culturally sensitive PA health messages may be a catalyst to shape men’s motivations towards participation.

Objective

We explored the views of New Zealand (NZ) men with PD about existing PA health messages, and how these could be adapted to be more effective.

Methods

This qualitative study recruited six community dwelling, regularly physically active, NZ European men with PD (aged 54–69 years, 2-18 years post diagnosis) from a community exercise class in Canterbury, NZ. Participants engaged in semi-structured interviews which were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analyzed inductively for themes.

Results

Participants expressed that effective PA health messages should reflect men’s motivations for PA which included physical and mental well-being and social connection. Inclusive, positive, and relatable language and imagery were considered crucial PA message communication strategies. Participants viewed health professionals’ PA advice as superficial and unhelpful, however, celebrities with PD were considered inspirational messengers. Messages endorsed by trustworthy sources, such as the Parkinson’s Society, were perceived to enhance the credibility.

Conclusions

Effective PA messages should be gain framed and tailored to the target audience. We recommend health professionals provide comprehensive PA advice or consider onward referral. . Future research which uses a co-design participatory methodology to collaborate with a culturally diverse group of men with PD, and across all levels of PA, is recommended to provide comprehensive insights for meaningful, effective, and culturally sensitive PA health messaging.

Keywords

arkinson’s Disease

men

physical activity

health messaging

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