Using Experience Based Co-Design to develop a community-based exercise pathway for Adults with Neurological Physical Disability

Introduction:
Adults with Neurological Physical Disabilities (AwNPDs) face barriers to participating in community-based exercise, Whilst exercise referral schemes exist in Northern Ireland, none are specifically tailored for AwNPDs.
Main Objective:
Experience-Based Co-Design (EBCD) was employed to develop a community-based exercise pathway for AwNPDs.
Methods:
This study followed five EBCD stages. Filmed semi-structured interviews captured stakeholder experiences, including AwNPDs and professionals. Key moments from these interviews were used in a catalyst film to elicit emotional responses and facilitate group discussions during a feedback event. A co-design group participated in four workshops to refine and finalise the pathway. In the fourth stage, the developed pathway was presented for initial feedback. The final stage involved gathering feedback through semi-structured interviews and focus groups with AwNPDs and professionals.
Results and Discussion:
Participants outlined barriers in experiences such as the environment, lack of training of exercise professionals and stigma surrounding exercising with a physical disability. Feedback developed priorities for the pathway’s development such as flexibility, self-referral and education. A co-design group refined and developed the pathway, outlining self-referral, an optional preliminary exercise program and training needs of exercise professionals. Most participants (6/7) expressed they would participate in the developed pathway. Feedback had also provided insight into the concerns regarding self-referral, along with questions surrounding the necessity of a preliminary program’s inclusion.
Conclusion:
This pathway addresses barriers faced by AwNPDs and professionals by fostering collaboration and consensus during co-design workshops. This offers a promising foundation for a feasible and inclusive community-based exercise scheme, with the potential for implementation across Northern Ireland pending further research.
Acknowledgments