Managing Fatigue in Parkinson’s Disease: Protocol for a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Background. Fatigue is a disabling symptom of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Managing Fatigue: A Six-Week Energy Conservation Intervention was developed to improve the occupational performance of people with fatigue. Efficacy of this program has not been established in PD. Purpose. This study will assess feasibility of the Managing Fatigue: Individual Program (MFIP) delivered via videoconference, the Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) protocol, and the preliminary effectiveness of the MFIP. Methods. A mixed-methods approach nested in a pilot RCT, randomizing 54 participants 1:1 to usual care or MFIP arms, will be employed to evaluate the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of MFIP. Qualitative and quantitative data will be collected simultaneously. Implications. Results will identify evidence for establishing protocol requirements for a full-scale RCT. Knowledge of the effectiveness of the one-to-one videoconference delivery format of the program has the potential to enhance the accessibility and the quality of care of the PD population.