Predictors of outcomes in exercisers with Parkinson disease: A two-year longitudinal cohort study

Exercise may modify disease progression in persons with Parkinson disease (PD).

The purpose of this longitudinal cohort study was to determine factors that predict motor, activity, and participation-based outcomes over two years in exercisers with PD.

A convenience sample with idiopathic PD was included in the analysis [n = 74; mean age 66.7(8.4) years; male 54%; median months post diagnosis 69.0(76.0), median Hoehn and Yahr score 1.0(2.0)]. Exercise behaviors (minutes of exercise/week, peak rate of perceived exertion (RPE) and mode of exercise) and outcomes of impairment [grip strength], activity [10-meter walk test, functional reach test, activity specific balance confidence scale] and participation [Parkinson Disease Questionnaire-39] were assessed at baseline, 6, 12, 18 and 24 months.

Using generalized estimating equations at least one exercise behavior was a significant predictor across most of the models (p≤0.026), with higher RPE predicting better outcomes in all activity and participation domains. Younger age, male gender and lower disease severity also significantly predicted better outcomes over time (p≤0.041).

Exercise behaviors contributed to activity and participation-based outcomes over two years in exercisers with PD. Participation in high-intensity exercise programs may enhance maintenance of health and function over time in individuals with PD.