Introduction: Many patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) live with a sense of functional decline and a feeling of “I have to do well” or “I have to do rehabilitation. This feeling of “I have to” induces a depressed mood, which is one of the causes of PD patients' seclusion and affects their QOL.
Objectives: As a way to improve the quality of life of PD patients, we would like to determine how PD patients' participation in events affects their daily lives.
Methods: The subjects were five PD patients. Subjects participated in a 3-day/2-night event on Sado Island. The event consisted of participation in a Japanese drum and dance session for Parkinson's disease and sightseeing. Subjects were interviewed about changes in their lives before and after participation. Consent was obtained from the subjects. Ethical review approval was obtained.
Results: The participants were anxious about participating in the event, but now want to participate again next year. They also became more aware of their own life and physical condition for next year's participation and became more proactive in their rehabilitation.
Conclusion / Contribution to the occupational therapy profession: The PD patients had hope for their lives and livelihood as a result of their participation in the event. Their behavior became more positive and they were able to make changes in their daily lives. While providing daily rehabilitation is important for occupational therapists, it is also meaningful to consider and plan opportunities for activity participation, considering that event participation can also have a positive impact on daily life.