Perspectives on physical activity from people with Parkinson's disease who do not engage

Despite substantial evidence supporting the benefits of physical activity, People with Parkinson's disease (pwPD) struggle to remain active. Previous research on physical activity has largely focused on those already engaged. This study aimed to capture the perspectives of pwPD who perceived themselves as inactive.

Constructivist Grounded Theory was used to explore the beliefs, attitudes, and meaning of physical activity in PwPD who self-identified as inactive. Twenty-one participants consented to participate and were interviewed. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and coded. Data collection and analysis occurred simultaneously, using a constant comparative approach.

Five categories were developed: four that helped explain a lack of or sustained engagement in physical activity and one that, despite the study's screening process, appeared to reflect pwPD who were active. A key factor in the formation of these categories was the influence of self-identity, particularly the salience of a physically active self-identity.

This research supports existing findings on the impact of interpersonal, social support, environment, and disease-related factors on engagement. However, it also highlights the potential role of self-identity in influencing the type, level, and sustainability of physical activity engagement. Approaches to promoting activity based on an individual's self-identity may be beneficial.