The overarching aim is to determine the benefits of Parkinson-specific exercise programs and general exercise patterns on physical function and disease-related quality of life among people with Parkinson Disease (PD). The significance of this project is that millions of individuals experience adverse consequences of PD and there is strong evidence that structured exercise programs have beneficial effects on motor function and PD-related quality of life. Participation in this study involves online surveys upon enrollment (i.e., baseline) and at 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, 1 year, and 2 years.
Parkinson Disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disease that affects more than ten million people worldwide. In the United States, more than one million people are living with PD and more than 100,000 new cases are diagnosed each year. Exercise to Ease the Burden of PD: Exercise is an adjunct to pharmacologic therapy for PD that has been shown in many intensive research studies to help improve motor and non-motor symptoms in PD. A variety of Parkinson-specific exercise programs have been developed to help improve balance, posture, mobility, strength, endurance, speech, and/or self-help skills. These classes include various modes of exercise and different intensity levels, tailored for patients' personal characteristics and functional abilities. Current Gaps in Knowledge and Aim: The benefits of PD-specific exercise programs on physical function and disease-related quality of life have not been evaluated. Furthermore, many patients may not have access to PD-specific exercise programs. The proposed project addresses these gaps by exploring associations between PD-specific exercise programs and several metrics of physical function and quality of life among individuals with PD. In addition, the investigators are studying associations among overall exercise patterns, physical activity patterns, physical function, and quality of life among individuals with PD. Study Involvement: Participation in this study involves online surveys completed upon enrollment (i.e., baseline) and at 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, 1 year, and 2 years. A family member, caregiver, or friend may help the participant complete the online surveys.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
257
Washington University School of Medicine
St Louis, Missouri, United States
Association between exercise patterns and quality of life
Association between exercise patterns (including exercise type and frequency) and quality of life, as assessed by the Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire (PDQ-39). The score range for the PDQ-39 is 0 to 100, with lower scores reflecting higher quality of life.
Time frame: Baseline
Association between exercise patterns and mobility
Association between exercise patterns (including exercise type and frequency) and mobility, as assessed by the Quality of Life in Neurological Disorders (Neuro-QOL) questionnaire. The Neuro-QOL short form domain on Lower Extremity Function - Mobility will be used. The score range for the Neuro-QOL Mobility domain is 8 to 40, with higher scores reflecting a higher level of lower extremity function and mobility (i.e., better self-reported health).
Time frame: Baseline
Association between exercise patterns and well-being
Association between exercise patterns (including exercise type and frequency) and well-being, as assessed by the Quality of Life in Neurological Disorders (Neuro-QOL) questionnaire. The Neuro-QOL short form domain on Positive Affect and Well-Being will be used. The score range for the Neuro-QOL Positive Affect and Well-Being domain is 9 to 45, with higher scores reflecting a higher level of well-being.
Time frame: Baseline
Association between exercise patterns and quality of life
Association between exercise patterns (including exercise type and frequency) and quality of life, as assessed by the Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire (PDQ-39). The score range for the PDQ-39 is 0 to 100, with lower scores reflecting higher quality of life.
Time frame: 2 years
Association between exercise patterns and mobility
Association between exercise patterns (including exercise type and frequency) and mobility, as assessed by the Quality of Life in Neurological Disorders (Neuro-QOL) questionnaire. The Neuro-QOL short form domain on Lower Extremity Function - Mobility will be used. The score range for the Neuro-QOL Mobility domain is 8 to 40, with higher scores reflecting a higher level of lower extremity function and mobility (i.e., better self-reported health).
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Time frame: 2 years
Association between exercise patterns and well-being
Association between exercise patterns (including exercise type and frequency) and well-being, as assessed by the Quality of Life in Neurological Disorders (Neuro-QOL) questionnaire. The Neuro-QOL short form domain on Positive Affect and Well-Being will be used. The score range for the Neuro-QOL Positive Affect and Well-Being domain is 9 to 45, with higher scores reflecting a higher level of well-being.
Time frame: 2 years
Proportion of participants who attend a PD-specific exercise class
Number of participants who attend a PD-specific exercise class relative to the total number of study participants.
Time frame: Baseline
Frequency of participation in exercise classes or recreational exercise
Frequency distribution of participation in exercise classes or recreational exercise, expressed on a weekly basis.
Time frame: Baseline
Quality of Life score on the Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire (PDQ-39)
Quality of Life summary index score on the Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire (PDQ-39). The score range for the PDQ-39 is 0 to 100, with lower scores reflecting higher quality of life.
Time frame: Baseline
Mobility score on the Quality of Life in Neurological Disorders (Neuro-QOL) questionnaire
Mobility score will be computed from the Quality of Life in Neurological Disorders (Neuro-QOL) short form questionnaire. The Neuro-QOL short form domain on Lower Extremity Function - Mobility will be used. The score range for the Neuro-QOL Mobility domain is 8-40, with higher scores reflecting a higher level of lower extremity function and mobility (i.e., better self-reported health).
Time frame: Baseline
Well-being score on the Quality of Life in Neurological Disorders (Neuro-QOL) questionnaire
Well-being will be assessed by the Quality of Life in Neurological Disorders (Neuro-QOL) questionnaire. The Neuro-QOL short form domain on Positive Affect and Well-Being will be used. The score range for the Neuro-QOL Positive Affect and Well-Being domain is 9 to 45, with higher scores reflecting a higher level of well-being.
Time frame: Baseline
Proportion of participants who attend a PD-specific exercise class
Number of participants who attend a PD-specific exercise class relative to the total number of study participants.
Time frame: 2 years
Frequency of participation in exercise classes or recreational exercise
Frequency distribution of participation in exercise classes or recreational exercise, expressed on a weekly basis.
Time frame: 2 years
Quality of Life score on the Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire (PDQ-39)
Quality of Life summary index score on the Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire (PDQ-39). The score range for the PDQ-39 is 0 to 100, with lower scores reflecting higher quality of life.
Time frame: 2 years
Mobility score on the Quality of Life in Neurological Disorders (Neuro-QOL) questionnaire
Mobility score will be computed from the Quality of Life in Neurological Disorders (Neuro-QOL) short form questionnaire. The Neuro-QOL short form domain on Lower Extremity Function - Mobility will be used. The score range for the Neuro-QOL Mobility domain is 8-40, with higher scores reflecting a higher level of lower extremity function and mobility (i.e., better self-reported health).
Time frame: 2 years
Well-being score on the Quality of Life in Neurological Disorders (Neuro-QOL) questionnaire
Well-being will be assessed by the Quality of Life in Neurological Disorders (Neuro-QOL) questionnaire. The Neuro-QOL short form domain on Positive Affect and Well-Being will be used. The score range for the Neuro-QOL Positive Affect and Well-Being domain is 9 to 45, with higher scores reflecting a higher level of well-being.
Time frame: 2 years