Determinants of exercise behaviour in persons with Parkinson's disease

Exercise shows promise for improving physical and cognitive functioning, quality of life, and mood in individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD). Structured interviews have suggested potential factors influencing participation in exercise in this population, but no studies have examined if they predict exercise behaviour.

Thirty persons with PD completed the International Physical Activity Questionnaire and a semi-structured interview. Time spent exercising was calculated by summing responses for recreation, sport, and leisure-time physical activity. Predictors of exercise were assessed via interview. In addition, participants were asked about what types of exercise they engaged in and what types of exercise they would be interested in trying. Regression analyses were used to identify the factors that predicted time spent exercising, as well as determining factors in low vs. high exercisers (≥150 min per week).

Positive predictors of exercise were being male (β= -0.52, p = 0.01; χ² = 4.84, p = 0.03), married (β = 0.32, p = 0.03; χ² = 5.60, p = 0.02), and enjoyment of exercise (β = 0.36, p = 0.02). Fear of falling (β = -0.41, p = 0.01; χ²= 4.29, p = 0.04), negative perception of health (β = -0.41, p = 0.02), perception of PD symptoms (χ² = 12.45, p < 0.001), bad weather (χ² = 5.06, p = 0.02), and lack of an exercise partner (χ² = 13.39, p < 0.001) were negative predictors of exercise.

Results from this study suggest that exercise programmes should work to make activities enjoyable, safe, and adaptable to the abilities of the individual. Programmes should also include social engagement.Implications for rehabilitationParkinson's exercise programmes should be enjoyable.Parkinson's exercise programmes should include both social engagement and social support.Parkinson's exercise programmes should be safe and adaptable to the abilities of the participants.Parkinson's exercise programmes should aim to improve balance and reduce fear of falling.Individual exercise programmes can also be successful, many people with PD exercise alone with the most common form being walking.