Physical activity levels in people with Parkinson's disease treated by subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation

To explore the physical activity of people with Parkinson's disease (PD) with subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation (STN-DBS) and investigate factors associated with physical activity.

Twenty-four participants who had STN-DBS for one or more years were recruited. Eligibility criteria included Hoehn and Yahr stage ≤ 4, continuation of STN-DBS, living at home and able to provide informed consent. Physical activity was measured using the self-report physical activity scale for the elderly (PASE). Motor and non-factors that influence physical activity in PD, such as gait disturbance and mood, were recorded using clinical measures.

Participants had long-standing PD of moderate severity, mean Hoehn and Yahr 2.3, and mild to moderate functional disability, MDS-UPDRS M-EDL mean 16.2. PASE scores were significantly lower compared to norms for adults ≤ 70 years (115.2 versus 143, p= 0.045). There was a significant negative correlation between PASE scores and falls history, fatigue, fear of falling (FOF) and quality of life (p < 0.05).

This study provides further evidence that physical activity levels in PD with STN-DBS remain low compared to PASE norms for older adults. Future research investigating interventions to improve factors associated with low physical activity levels should be considered.Implications for RehabilitationDespite the benefits of deep brain stimulation (DBS) on motor function and activities of daily living, physical activity levels remain low in people with Parkinson's disease (PD) with subthalamic nucleus (STN)-DBS compared to norms for older adults.A history of falls, greater fear of falling (FOF) and higher levels of fatigue are associated with lower levels of physical activity in people with PD with STN-DBS.When planning rehabilitation interventions consideration should be given to strategies that promote and support regular physical activity for people with PD with STN-DBS.Rehabilitation clinicians should consider using falls prevention programmes and include strategies to decrease FOF for people with PD with STN-DBS.Consideration should be given to the presence of fatigue when planning the rehabilitation programme for the person with PD with STN-DBS.