Persons with Parkinson Disease (PD) face significant declines in function resulting in greater disability. Function can improve through participation in exercise, yet many people with PD are physically inactive. Given that people with PD live long lifespans following diagnosis; it is essential to include routine exercise into their lives over the long-term. Physical therapy is effective in improving function in persons with PD. However, participation in on-going physical therapy indefinitely is not a realistic option due to limited healthcare resources. Interventions using mobile health technologies allow physical therapists to stay connected to patients over time potentially improving their ability to meet the changing needs of patients with PD. Innovative approaches using mobile health technology may improve outcome; however, the effectiveness of different approaches to improve function and reduce disability in PD is unknown. The purpose of this study is to compare the effectiveness of two interventions to improve function and health-related quality of life in 65 people with PD. In one study group, participants receive a home exercise program, in written format, to continue on an independent basis. In the other study group, participants are instructed to continue with an exercise program, in their home, delivered using videos of the exercises on a computer tablet device. This use of mobile-Health technology allows the physical therapist to remotely monitor participants' progress and modify the exercise program to meet the changing needs of each patient. The long-term objective of this research is to determine the most efficient and effective way to improve function that can be widely disseminated to persons with PD.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
60
Center for Neurorehabilitation, College of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences, Sargent College, Boston University
Boston, Massachusetts, United States
Change from Baseline in Physical Activity Level
Physical activity level will be assessed using an activity monitor worn around the ankle over a 7-day period at the beginning and the end of the study
Time frame: 52-54 weeks
Change from Baseline in BriefBEST Balance Test
The BriefBEST balance test assesses balance using a series of tasks such as sitting and leaning, standing on compliant and non-compliant surfaces, stepping to the side, and walking on level surfaces
Time frame: 52-54 weeks
Change from Baseline in Six Minute Walk Test
Six Minute Walk Test is measure of the distance a participant is able to walk in a 6 minute time period
Time frame: 52-54 weeks
Change from Baseline in Falls Self-Efficacy Scale International
Falls Self-Efficacy Scale International is a self-administered questionnaire to assess the level of confidence in performing a series of 16 daily activities without falling
Time frame: 52-54 weeks
Change from Baseline in Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale
Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale assesses disability level related to the non-motor and motor signs in people with Parkinson's disease.
Time frame: 52-54 weeks
Change from Baseline in Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire-39
Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire-39 is a self-administered questionnaire to assess the quality of life in people with Parkinson's disease
Time frame: 52-54 weeks
Change from Baseline in Self-Efficacy Exercise Scale
Self-Efficacy Exercise Scale is a self-administered questionnaire to assess confidence in ability to exercise
Time frame: 52-54 weeks
Change from Baseline in Functional Gait Assessment
Functional Gait Assessment assesses balance using a series of walking tasks, including walking in different directions, speeds, and around obstacles, including navigating stairs
Time frame: 52-54 weeks
Change from Baseline in Fatigue Severity Scale
Fatigue Severity Scale is a self-administered questionnaire where subjects are instructed to rate the impact of fatigue in their daily life over the prior week
Time frame: 52-54 weeks
Change from Baseline in Geriatric Depression Scale
Geriatric Depression Scale is a self-administered questionnaire to assess depression in individuals
Time frame: 52-54 weeks
Change from Baseline Apathy Scale
Apathy Scale is a self-administered questionnaire to assess apathy
Time frame: 52-54 weeks
Change from Baseline in Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire
Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire a self-administered questionnaire about the subjects leisure-time exercise habits over a typical seven day period
Time frame: 52-54 weeks
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