Views, experiences and perceived effectiveness of rebound exercise by adults with neurological disorders: a qualitative study

Background
Rebound exercise (RE) is increasingly explored as a potential intervention for adults with neurological disorders, yet little is known about the participants’ subjective experiences. The community setting is particularly important for understanding the real-world applicability and acceptability of such interventions. This qualitative study aimed to explore the perspectives of adults with neurological disorders who participated in a 12-week community-based RE program.

Methods
A semistructured interview was used to gather in-depth insights from 15 participants (67% female, 50% aged 60 and older) who completed the program. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic analysis to identify key themes related to participants’ experiences, perceived benefits, barriers and suggestions for improving the intervention.

Results
Four major themes emerged: (1) Enjoyment and Motivation: Participants found RE engaging and enjoyable, enhancing their motivation to remain physically active. (2) Physical and Functional Improvements: Many reported noticeable improvements in balance, coordination, mobility and overall physical function, which translated into greater confidence in performing daily tasks. (3) Social Support: Participants valued the motivational role of others and support from facilitators, leading to greater adherence. (4) Barriers and Recommendations: Participants identified time constraints and the preference for group-based sessions as areas for improvement, suggesting that future programs offer more structured group exercise options to enhance social interaction.

Conclusion
This study highlights the subjective benefits of RE for individuals with neurological disorders in a community setting, with participants perceiving significant improvements in their physical function and psychological well-being. The findings underscore the importance of incorporating enjoyable, socially supportive elements into exercise programs to enhance adherence and long-term engagement. Future research should explore these insights, particularly the preference for group sessions, to optimise the design and delivery of RE interventions in community-based rehabilitation programs.