Physical Activity, Patient-Reported Outcomes, and Quality of Life in Parkinson's Disease

Background: Physical activity has been shown to improve motor symptoms in numerous Parkinson's Disease (PD) clinical trials. However, the relationship between physical activity (PA), patient-reported outcomes, and quality of life (QoL) in a community-dwelling cohort has not been well-characterized. Methods: To evaluate this association, data were obtained from the internet-based Modifiable Variables in Parkinsonism Study (n = 415). Patient-reported outcomes and QoL were assessed by the Patient-Reported Outcomes in Parkinson's Disease (PRO-PD) and Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS), respectively. Regression models controlled for age, sex, and disease duration. Results: As PA increased, PROMIS scores increased (P < 0.001) and motor and non-motor symptom PRO-PD scores decreased (P < 0.001) implying improved symptoms and QoL. The association between PA and symptom severity was significant in women, but not men. Conclusions: These data may imply improved symptoms and QoL with increased PA frequency in individuals with PD. Sex differences in the relationship between PA and PD outcomes warrant further investigation.