Abstract
Background and objectives
Our research on frail populations has confirmed the superior efficacy of eccentric exercise to improve balance, muscle strength and mobility but this has not been trialed in ataxia populations. Our objective was to conduct co-production workshops with people with ataxia to identify barriers and facilitators to physical activity and to determine the acceptability and feasibility of home- and laboratory-based eccentric-dominant exercises.
Methods
Five online workshops were held with 21 adults with an inherited ataxia (mean age in years ± SD = 59 ± 17 [range = 26 - 77]) to discuss physical activity and introduce eccentric home- and laboratory-based exercises. Eight participants attended a follow-up workshop at the University of Northampton where they trialled different eccentric-dominant exercises and co-produced a feasible and acceptable programme. Thematic analysis was used to identify emerging themes.
Results
Barriers to physical activity included poor motivation, balance, fear of falling, and fatigue, but needing to attend a local facility to access specialist equipment was not a barrier. In fact, a preference to exercise away from home was revealed, with reduced motivation for, and adherence to, home-based activities. There was a high level of acceptability for our proposed eccentric-dominant modifications to familiar home-based exercises. Laboratory-based gamified seated eccentric strength training machines were well received whilst gamified balance training exercises on an unsteady platform was met with reluctance, despite the presence of handles to prevent falls.
Discussion and conclusion
These findings are consistent with literature reporting limited enjoyment and poor adherence to home-based exercise programmes. We provide reassurance regarding the feasibility and acceptability of eccentric-dominant exercises to develop and pilot an eccentric exercise regime for people with ataxia.
Funding sources: University of Northampton Public, Community Engagement and Participatory Research Fund.
Our research on frail populations has confirmed the superior efficacy of eccentric exercise to improve balance, muscle strength and mobility but this has not been trialed in ataxia populations. Our objective was to conduct co-production workshops with people with ataxia to identify barriers and facilitators to physical activity and to determine the acceptability and feasibility of home- and laboratory-based eccentric-dominant exercises.
Methods
Five online workshops were held with 21 adults with an inherited ataxia (mean age in years ± SD = 59 ± 17 [range = 26 - 77]) to discuss physical activity and introduce eccentric home- and laboratory-based exercises. Eight participants attended a follow-up workshop at the University of Northampton where they trialled different eccentric-dominant exercises and co-produced a feasible and acceptable programme. Thematic analysis was used to identify emerging themes.
Results
Barriers to physical activity included poor motivation, balance, fear of falling, and fatigue, but needing to attend a local facility to access specialist equipment was not a barrier. In fact, a preference to exercise away from home was revealed, with reduced motivation for, and adherence to, home-based activities. There was a high level of acceptability for our proposed eccentric-dominant modifications to familiar home-based exercises. Laboratory-based gamified seated eccentric strength training machines were well received whilst gamified balance training exercises on an unsteady platform was met with reluctance, despite the presence of handles to prevent falls.
Discussion and conclusion
These findings are consistent with literature reporting limited enjoyment and poor adherence to home-based exercise programmes. We provide reassurance regarding the feasibility and acceptability of eccentric-dominant exercises to develop and pilot an eccentric exercise regime for people with ataxia.
Funding sources: University of Northampton Public, Community Engagement and Participatory Research Fund.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Publication status | Published - 12 Nov 2024 |
| Event | International Congress for Ataxia Research (ICAR) 2024 - London Duration: 12 Nov 2024 → 15 Nov 2024 https://ataxiacongress.org/ |
Conference
| Conference | International Congress for Ataxia Research (ICAR) 2024 |
|---|---|
| City | London |
| Period | 12/11/24 → 15/11/24 |
| Internet address |
Keywords
- Ataxia
- Eccentric exercise
- spinocerebellar ataxia
