An exploratory study of fitness practitioner intentions toward exercise programming for individuals with multiple sclerosis

A systematic scoping review: Resources targeting the training and education of health and recreation practitioners to support physical activity among people with physical disabilities

BACKGROUND

Health and recreation practitioners play an important role in promoting and supporting leisure time physical activity (LTPA) among persons with physical disabilities (PWPD), yet many practitioners lack training and education to provide the basic knowledge, skills, and resources necessary.¹ Little is known about existing LTPA information and training resources for health and recreation practitioners and there has been no known systematic effort to identify existing resources.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of the current study was to engage systematic scoping methodologies to identify resources that target the training and education of health and recreation practitioners to promote and support LTPA among PWPD. To further analyze the identified resources, an assessment of quality was conducted.

METHODS

Systematic scoping review methodologies were employed, which included searches of academic and grey literature, online materials (i.e., Google search) and expert consultation.

RESULTS

Several (N = 46) resources were identified from academic, government and non-government, and professional organizations. Most resources were targeted to a specific PWPD population. The resources were of high technical quality.

CONCLUSION

The paper serves as a listing of existing resources for practitioners working with PWPD in LTPA settings. The review provides a catalyst for action in further research and practice regarding the analysis, design, development, implementation and evaluation of optimally effective resources targeting practitioners to promote and support LTPA among PWPD.

RESULTS

Several (N = 46) resources were identified from academic, government and non-government, and professional organizations. Most resources were targeted to a specific PWPD population. The resources were of high technical quality.

CONCLUSION

The paper serves as a listing of existing resources for practitioners working with PWPD in LTPA settings. The review provides a catalyst for action in further research and practice regarding the analysis, design, development, implementation and evaluation of optimally effective resources targeting practitioners to promote and support LTPA among PWPD.

A survey of exercise professionals' barriers and facilitators to working with stroke survivors

Stroke survivors (SSs) are largely inactive despite the benefits of exercise. Exercise professionals (EPs), skilled in exercise prescription and motivation, may have a role in promoting exercise among SSs. However, the number of EPs working with SSs is estimated to be low. This study aimed to investigate EPs' opinions on working with SSs by rating their agreement of barriers and facilitators to working with SSs. The study also investigated EPs skills, interest and experience working with SSs and the relationship between EPs' barriers and facilitators with their training on stroke. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using a researcher-designed online survey between October and December 2015. Purposive sampling was used to survey EPs on the Register of Exercise Professionals in Ireland (n = 277). The response rate was 31% (87/277). Only 22% (19/86) of EPs had experience working with SSs. The primary barriers rated by EPs included insufficient training on psychological problems post-stroke (84%; 61/73), unsuitable equipment for SSs (69%; 50/73) and the level of supervision SSs require (56%; 41/73). The primary facilitators rated included access to suitable equipment (97%; 69/71), practical (100%; 71/71) and theoretical training (93%; 66/71) on stroke. Respondents with no training on stroke were significantly more likely to agree that insufficient training on psychological problems post-stroke and lack of experience were barriers. Seventy-six per cent of EPs (58/76) were interested in one-to-one exercise sessions with SSs but only 53% (40/76) were interested in group sessions. Eighty-two per cent of EPs (62/76) rated their motivational skills as good or very good but 42% (32/76) indicated having only acceptable skills dealing with psychological problems. Results indicate that EPs are interested in working with SSs despite limited experience and practical barriers. Training opportunities on stroke need to be developed; taking into account EPs' barriers, facilitators and skills along with access to suitable equipment.

Establishing the NeuroRecovery Network Community Fitness and Wellness facilities: multi-site fitness facilities provide activity-based interventions and assessments for evidence-based functional gains in neurologic disorders

BACKGROUND

Physical fitness is a necessity for those living with a spinal cord injury, yet access to fitness facilities, equipment, and specially trained fitness experts are limited.

METHODS

This article introduces the concept of a network of fitness facilities specially geared towards individuals with spinal cord injury and other neurological disorders.

RESULTS

The Community Fitness and Wellness branch of the NeuroRecovery Network was created to provide a continuum of care after traditional rehabilitation for individuals living with a spinal cord injury and other neurological disorders. Community Fitness and Wellness facilities translate activity-based interventions performed during rehabilitation into a community setting as well as provide other fitness and wellness opportunities. Community Fitness and Wellness facilities are staffed by professionals with training on the specialized needs of individuals living with spinal cord injury or other neurological disorders. Standardized assessments evaluate functional, health, and quality of life gains at regular intervals. A national database gathers information on standardized interventions and assessment outcomes providing a mechanism for evaluation of interventions performed in the community setting.

CONCLUSIONS

The establishment of Community Fitness and Wellness facilities allows for the quick translation and evaluation of novel, effective approaches from research to individuals in the community. Implications for Rehabilitation Fitness needs of individuals with spinal cord injury living in the community necessitate the use of special equipment and trained staff. Community Fitness and Wellness Programs offer specially trained staff and adaptive equipment providing a continuity of care for those with spinal cord injuries and other neurological disorders.

Exercise facilities for neurologically disabled populations - Perceptions from the fitness industry

BACKGROUND

People with neurological disabilities (pwND) face many barriers to undertaking physical activity. One option for exercise alongside formal physiotherapy is local fitness facilities but accessibility is often found wanting and gyms are seen as unwelcoming to pwND.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this exploratory study was to investigate the perceptions of fitness facility managers with respect to exercise for pwND in a gym environment. The aim was to identify potential barriers to provision by the fitness industry for pwND.

METHODS

The participants included those who were in a position to influence provision at a policy level and those working at management level within fitness providers. A mixed methods approach was used: a quantitative questionnaire and 4 qualitative interviews. Descriptive and correlational analysis, thematic content analysis and concurrent triangulation analysis was undertaken.

RESULTS

Specially trained staff is perceived to be necessary to make fitness facilities accessible for pwND.

CONCLUSIONS

Ensuring the provision of specially trained staff to support pwND to exercise in gyms may be the main barrier to provision for this population. Investigation into the standard training of fitness professionals combining the expertise of neurological physiotherapists with that of fitness professionals to meet the needs of pwND would be advantageous.