The Experiences of Older Adults with Dementia of “Balance Wise”—An Individual or Group-Delivered Exercise Programme: A Qualitative Study

Normala Mesbah, Meredith Perry, Keith D. Hill, Donald Manlapaz and Leigh Hale ()
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Normala Mesbah: Physiotherapy Programme and Center for Healthy Ageing and Wellness (H-CARE), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur 50300, Malaysia
Meredith Perry: Centre for Health, Activity and Rehabilitation Research (CHARR), School of Physiotherapy, University of Otago, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
Keith D. Hill: Rehabilitation Ageing and Independent Living (RAIL) Research Centre, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3199, Australia
Donald Manlapaz: Department of Physical Therapy, College of Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Santo Tomas, Manila 1088, Philippines
Leigh Hale: Centre for Health, Activity and Rehabilitation Research (CHARR), School of Physiotherapy, University of Otago, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand

Disabilities, 2023, vol. 4, issue 1, 1-16

Abstract: This study aimed to understand the experience of older adults with dementia towards, and the practicality of, the Balance Wise exercise programme. A qualitative study guided by the General Inductive Approach was employed. Ten people with dementia aged 71–87 years who completed the exercise programme and four care partners aged 69–76 years old (three of whom also participated in Balance Wise) were interviewed in dyads. The programme (individually or group delivered) was held once a week for 30 min for 10 weeks and included balance and strength exercises, cognitive training, and other enjoyable physical activities. Interviews were thematically analysed. Three overarching themes were identified (i) decision making, (ii) comprehension, and (iii) perceived benefits. Participants acknowledged their decision to participate was influenced by ‘awareness’ about their declining memory and their ‘health belief’ about the potential benefits of exercise. ‘Perceived benefits’ were influenced by the ‘support system’ and improvement in postural stability. ‘Comprehension’ was, however, an important cognitive ability to understand the purpose of the activities in the programme and facilitated motivation. This study highlighted an important message that such programmes should be developed from the end-user perspective, and this included that the programme be flexible and safely delivered, as well as be fun and pleasurable, thus promoting socialisation.

Keywords: cognitive impairment; dementia; older adults; falls prevention; physical activity; exercise; qualitative (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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