Table 2.
Selected for each major theme and subtheme from the reflexive analysis process.
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“it brings people together in a positive and encouraging environment” P212, S3, female, age 40–59, living with MS |
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“I feel I fit in, rather than being the odd person out, the one with the disability. I like that I can get a good amount of exercise safely. I like the mood and the encouraging tone. I like being part of a such a big group!” P63, S1, Female, age 60+, living with MS “The class has also provided a sense of social connection during Covid self-isolation, but also from self-isolation and loneliness that happens with MS often anyway.” P89, S2, female, age 40–59, living with MS “A sense of belonging. I’ve tried other classes and these by far are the only sessions I look forward to…and I do not feel disabled.” P127, S1, female, age 20–39, living with a SCI |
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“Yes! Positively! NeuroSask makes me feel seen, and like I matter, as if I am worthwhile. So many exercise programmes are only for “able bodied” people and the assumption is often that those defined as having disabilities cannot exercise, would not want to exercise, and/or are not safe to exercise. Most research on physical activity specifically excludes those with walking (and other) mobility limitations/disabilities. NeuroSask is “for” people like me! Sense of personal power rather than giving in. I look forward to all the stretching and I always leave feeling accomplished. I try to do exercises on my own, but I do much more with neurosask, as it is physically and mentally uplifting. The chat after is helpful too, especially to find out how others are challenged and how they cope.” P418, S3, age 20–39, living with MS “Something to look forward to. A sense of belonging. I am now able to walk short distances with out a cane, my gait is improving. People have commented on how much I have improved since participating in NeuroSask.” P166, S3, age 60+, living with PD |
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“NeuroSask is upbeat, a little quirky, very respectful and full of qualified leadership” P188, S3, female, age 60+, living with MSA |
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“I feel a sense of empathy, understanding and encouragement from [the leaders]. The sessions are one of the highlights of my week.” P23, S2, female, age 40–59, living with MS “Brilliant! I enjoy the committed time for class. It gives me something to look forward to. I enjoy those who facilitate it. They keep it so enjoyable and informative.” P211, S3, female, age 60+, living with MS “The instructors are amazing and their expertise in MS and neurological disorders are second to none. They know how to work with us for maximum benefit and I feel cared about. I love their smiles and the energy they give us.” P45, S3, female, age 20–39, living with MS |
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“I have medical difficulty in joining live exercise programs. The Zoom class is “live” but I can join without leaving my house which is very important to me.” P180, S3, male, age 60+, living with PPS “Access right in my home for free. As a person with limited mobility, it keeps me moving. I love that great feeling I get with the exercise.” P286, S2, female, age 40–59, living with a brain injury “I love that I can do the exercises “live” with so many others. Thank you for all that you do to include us. It helped me feel more connected! Less alone! A place where I feel like I belong” P164, S2, female, age 60+, living with a SCI |
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“Motivates me to move, even on difficult days. The days and time are regularly scheduled as part of my routine.” P281, S3, female, age 60+, living with MS “This program works for me but directions are also given for all ability levels. I love [leader] both when she has her “nerd” hat on or has her “nerd” hat off. And who gets a physio to work with them twice a week. [Other leader] is lovely.” P47, S3, female, age 60+, living with MS “I love that the class is live and is adjusted somewhat each time so that we can work our body in different ways. That makes it really engaging and fun every time. Which means that I am encouraged to attend and get this valuable exercise completed. I also love the connect sessions as they provide such a variety of useful information. Overall it is such a wonderful program and I am so grateful that it exists.” P322, S3, female, age 40–59, living with MS |
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“After participating I feel motivated to continue and my day is just better, that mood and energy carry over into what I do afterwards” P122, S3, female, age 40–59, living with MS |
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“How I feel when class is finished. Noticeable improvement in for strength. I love all of it, I cannot seem to come up with anything else. The whole thing is magnificent. Knowing I am helping myself, I especially like that I have a committed time to motivate me. I feel a big difference in my posture and overall strength!” P311, S3, female, age 60+, living with MS “it maintained my range of motion and function during the worst relapses I have had. Now I am in remission but NeuroSask is the reason I was able to jump back into regular exercise without hurting myself. The foundation it provided for me is the only reason I am as high functioning as I am now. Basically this program is amazing. I recommend and tell everyone about it.” P36, S3, female, age 20–39, living with MS |
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“It makes life better. Thoroughly enjoy the exercises, even though a lot of the time I do not feel like doing them. I enjoy the connect sessions, there is always something to learn that helps me.” P293, S3, female, age 60+, living with PD “I am in a better mood and have a sense of control.” P26, S1, female, age 40–59, living with cerebellar ataxia “It has improved my balance and flexibility which allows me to continue to tackle everyday tasks and more importantly tackle new goals like walking up or down stairs.” P208, S3, female, age 60+, living with MS “Only program available to take part in your home it helps to address the symptoms I deal with… Stepping in and out of the bathtub every day.” P150, S3, male, age 60+, living with MS |
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“Keep on offering this program. It has changed my life. I have recommended this program to others.” P93, S3, female, age 60+, living with MS “Thank you so much for what you do! Please do not cancel!” P91, S3, female, age 40–59, living with MS “I can say without hesitation that NeuroSask: Active and Connected has given me the desire and strength to take responsibility to manage my life despite the obstacles created by MS as well as the ability to do so.” P332, S3, female, age 60+, living with MS “Please continue this program. It is so flexible and I can do it anywhere using whatever device I have” P381, S3, male, age 60+, living with PD |
Age in years; MS, multiple sclerosis; MSA, multiple systems atrophy; P, participants; PD, Parkinson’s disease; PPS, post-polio syndrome; S, survey time point (1, 2, or 3); SCI, spinal cord injury.