One Step at a Time: A Journey of Hope, Inspiration, and Determination

Authors

Melinda Hermanns, University of Texas at TylerFollow
Barbara K. Haas, University of Texas at TylerFollow

Abstract

Approximately three million persons in the United States face the challenge of living with Parkinson's Disease (PD). In spite of medical and surgical interventions, the disease progresses, resulting in bradykinesia, rigidity and postural instability that impair functional ability and quality of life. The purpose of this case study is to illuminate the impact an exercise program may have on an individual with PD. A single case study design was used to explore the effect of exercise on the quality of life of a 73-year old gentleman with advanced PD. Interviews and field observations of the client, wife, and staff at a community based exercise facility were conducted. Analyses were based on coding of verbatim transcripts and field notes. Three themes emerged from the study: hope, inspiration, and determination. This case study is an exemplar of the impact exercise conducted in a supportive environment may have on improving the functional ability and quality of life for persons with PD.

Keywords

Exercise, Parkinson’s Disease, Case Study

Acknowledgements

The author(s) declare(s) that there is no conflict of interest.

Publication Date

2-17-2014

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 4.0 International License.

DOI

10.46743/2160-3715/2014.1272

Recommended APA Citation

Hermanns, M., & Haas, B. K. (2014). One Step at a Time: A Journey of Hope, Inspiration, and Determination. The Qualitative Report, 19(7), 1-9. https://doi.org/10.46743/2160-3715/2014.1272