Abstract
Swimming is a non-weight bearing form of exercise that can be enjoyable and promote physical fitness. This qualitative study investigated a local group established as part of a national dementia swimming initiative. Semi-structured interviews with people with dementia (N = 4), carers or companions (N = 4) and the organisers and facilitators of the group (N = 6) were analysed using thematic analysis. This revealed four main themes: (1) the pleasure of swimming and its benefits as a form of exercise and for building confidence and empowering participants, (2) the importance of insight and empathy in creating a safe and secure experience, (3) the impact of dementia and (4) how participants valued being part of a group 'all in the same boat'. 'Dementia friendly swimming' appears to be a valuable form of exercise, but it requires considerable preparation and support to make it happen.
Highlights
Swimming is a non-weight bearing form of exercise that can be enjoyable and promote physical fitness
A qualitative study would enable us to explore how those involved in the project from pool managers to people with dementia experienced it in their own words; and to examine what may constitute ‘dementia friendly swimming’
Interviews were conducted with four people with dementia, four carers/companions, and six organisers/facilitators
Summary
Participants were attending the dementia friendly swimming sessions at Clifton Leisure Centre in Nottingham and had a diagnosis of dementia, or were a companion or carer of someone with dementia, or were employed to organise or facilitate the sessions. Informed consent to observe the sessions and interview participants was obtained prior to the first session attended. All interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim and pseudonymised prior to analysis by the researchers (TH & MS). Interview transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis to allow the researchers to explore for themes both inductively from the data itself and deductively informed by theory and research (Braun and Clarke, 2006). It permits the use of field notes to create a broader picture (Crowe, Inder and Porte et al, 2015). Inter-rater reliability was assessed and 76% reliability achieved: scores > 70% are considered acceptable (Boyatzis, 1998)
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