Parkinson's disease: barriers and facilitators to optimizing function.

The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore with caregivers and people with Parkinson's disease (PD) the facilitators and barriers that they encounter in trying to optimize participation in functional activities and exercise. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with a purposeful sample of seven caregivers and three people diagnosed with PD. Data analysis was performed using content analysis and yielded 94 codes, which were reduced to five specific themes: personality components, physiological symptoms, communication difficulties, environmental factors, and tricks of the trade to optimize function. Findings from this study provide useful practical techniques for professionals and caregivers to promote optimal function and participation in physical activity among people with PD.