Student Competition (Clinical/Best Practice Implementation) ID 1984705

Abstract

Background The foremost reported unmet health need for Canadians with chronic neurological conditions is linked to physical maintenance. One way to address this issue is through activity programing offered through public institutions, where rehabilitation can be integrated into secondary health care settings. Parkwood Institute in London, Ontario has developed several programs, including virtual exercise classes, day programs, and a community fitness center. People who have participated in these initiatives can provide insights that could be used to create more robust person-centered rehabilitation physical activity programing. Objectives To explore the lived experiences of individuals participating in activity programs offered through Parkwood Institute to develop recommendations for future program development. Methods Using purposive sampling of individuals with a chronic neurological health condition who have participated in a physical activity program offered through Parkwood, we will use a grounded theory methodology to explore individual perspectives. Data will be collected using semi-structured interviews to gather critical perspectives and data will be analyzed using constant comparative analysis. Data collection and analysis will be an iterative process, meaning codes and categories will be developed from initial interviews, with subsequent data being continuously compared to identify similarities and differences. Results The findings of this research will, once completed, describe the impact of various physical activity programs, including benefits, challenges, and recommendations for future development. Conclusions The theoretical interpretations of the findings will be presented as a list of recommendations for activity programs offered through rehabilitation centers to assist researchers, clinicians, and policy makers in decision-making.