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<abstract xmlns="http://eprints.org/ep2/data/2.0">Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a chronic progressive neurodegenerative condition experienced by 120,000 people in the UK and costing £3.3 billion per annum. Treatment for PD predominantly centres on pharmacological therapy, but patients still experience functional deterioration which has led to a multidisciplinary approach to care. Physiotherapy for PD aims to address impairments in function and activity, but the evidence base is still incomplete.&#13;
   This thesis identifies current attitudes and practices and describes the influence of research. The first two studies utilise a modified Delphi survey technique and questionnaire to assess current and perceived best practice and outcome measurement for physiotherapy in PD. Study One revealed that therapy is predominantly delivered in a patient’s home, with the majority of referrals coming from a PD Nurse. Study Two highlighted the support for outcome measures, and a discrepancy between expert generated guidelines and perceived achievable best practice by physiotherapists. Study Three was a randomised controlled trial of supported community exercise. The feasibility and acceptability of the intervention was supported, particularly in its high uptake.&#13;
   Co-operation between researchers and physiotherapists is required to enhance the delivery of best practice. Furthermore, continued methodologically-sound research is needed to underpin physiotherapy for PD.&#13;
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