Increasing exercise with a mobile app in people with Parkinson's disease: a pilot study

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Digital Health
• Exercise Science

Background:

• Exercise is vital for Parkinson's disease (PD) management.
• Mobile apps offer a potential solution to exercise challenges faced by individuals with PD.
• The impact of mobile exercise apps on PD patients requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the effectiveness of a specialized mobile exercise app for people with Parkinson's disease.
• To evaluate the app's impact on physical activity levels and quality of life.

Main Methods:

• Recruited 41 participants with PD from a Movement Disorder Clinic.
• Participants used a specialized home-based exercise app for 2 weeks.
• Assessed physical activity (IPAQ-SF) and quality of life (PDQ-39) pre- and post-intervention.

Main Results:

• Median exercise volume (MET-min/week) increased significantly from 1386.0 to 3210.0 (P=0.009).
• Improvements were noted in moderate-intensity activities and walking.
• Quality of life scores (PDQ-39) improved significantly, from 17.2 to 8.5 (P=0.005).

Conclusions:

• The developed mobile app demonstrates potential for improving exercise engagement and quality of life in people with PD.
• Future research should address e-health literacy, app design, and program diversity for enhanced outcomes.
• Mobile health interventions can be a valuable tool in managing Parkinson's disease.