Abstract
ContextExercise has been shown to improve gait in individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Stepping practice at higher intensity levels has been suggested as a beneficial treatment option to improve gait in the neurological population. Unfortunately, this mode is poorly understood and underutilized within the PD population. Information on what individuals with PD are doing for exercise would be beneficial to help tailor exercise programs to improve gait and provide exercise options in the community for intensity-based exercise. ObjectiveTo investigate the current exercise habits of individuals living with PD in the community aimed at improving walking and to understand the impact of perceived intensity on daily exercise practices. Design, setting, participantsOne hundred thirty-eight individuals with PD living in the community were surveyed online regarding their current exercise habits. Main outcome measureA total of 22 questions aimed to understand exercise selection, focus, and perceived intensity. Questions asked basic demographic, symptom presentation and management of disease related symptoms that were present while living with PD. Exercise questions focused understanding participants current function level, practice exercise habits and perceived levels of exercise intensity during daily routines. ResultsOf the 138 individuals surveyed for this preliminary study, eighty-seven percent of individuals with PD participated in exercise with seventy-five percent choosing walking as a mode for exercise. Sixty-five percent of the respondents noted that despite exercise, their walking speed and endurance has worsened since diagnosis. Eighty-one percent perceived exercising at moderate intensity levels, however little provocation of intensity symptoms was noted. ConclusionOur preliminary study survey results suggest that individuals with PD are exercising but not at high enough intensity levels to promote improvements in gait performance. Individuals with PD may need to be pushed at higher intensity levels, beyond their voluntary limits, to induce gait performance changes. These findings can provide a foundation for future fitness interventions within this population to target improving gait.
Highlights
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most common degenerative disease in older adults, affecting 1% − 2% of individuals above 60 years old [1]
Design, setting, participants: One hundred thirty-eight individuals with PD living in the community were surveyed online regarding their current exercise habits
[25] Reducing fall risk
Summary
PD is the second most common degenerative disease in older adults, affecting 1% − 2% of individuals above 60 years old [1]. PD is an incurable neurodegenerative disease that is characterized by cardinal motor features including bradykinesia, resting tremors, muscular rigidity and postural instability [3]. These classic motor symptoms affect overall gait performance and need to be addressed to improve functional mobility [4]. A previously automatic motor task, is directly affected and limits participation in mobility activities. These gait problems are immense and are becoming a global problem with the rise in PD prev alence [2]
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