Factors Influencing Habitual Physical Activity in Parkinson’s Disease

Pilot study demonstrates a link between Habitual Physical Activity (HPA) outcomes and psychosocial characteristics in people with early Parkinson’s Disease and their carers, providing novel targets for intervention development.

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder, accompanied by loss of independence and function over the course of the disease. This has negative consequences for the wellbeing of those effected with the disease. Supporting people with Parkinson’s in their HPA may be an important factor for quality of life.

Researchers, supported by the NIHR Newcastle Biomedical Research Centre (BRC), conducted an 18-month pilot study to identify psychosocial factors associated with HPA to guide future intervention development. The findings have been published in the journal Sensors.

Results from the novel pilot study provide preliminary novel evidence that psychosocial outcomes from patients with Parkinson’s carers may impact HPA in PD. Interventions to improve HPA could target both people with Parkinson’s and carers and consider approaches that also support psychosocial wellbeing.

This study was part of the Incidence of Cognitive Impairment in Cohorts of Longitudinal Evaluation–Parkinson’s disease (ICICLE-PD) study. Patients were recruited from outpatient clinics and the community in Newcastle and Gateshead.

Information curtesy of full publication, which can be viewed here.