Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate effects of a telehealth (TH) coaching program to promote physical activity (PA) in people with Parkinson’s disease (PwP).

Background: PA has many known benefits for PwP, however research suggests that less than 1/3 of PwP achieve recommended PA levels. PwP in the early-mid stage are well-positioned to harness the benefits of PA but many face barriers that lead to sedentary behaviors. Engage-PD is a single cohort study designed to address barriers, support self-efficacy and PA uptake in PwP via TH coaching sessions grounded in Self-Determination Theory (SDT).

Method: PwP, Hoehn & Yahr (H&Y) stages I-III received up to 5 TH coaching sessions with a physical therapist over 3-months. Physical Therapists used motivational interviewing, goal setting, and an interactive workbook to promote 150 minutes of weekly moderate-vigorous PA. Outcomes were assessed at baseline, 3 months, and included PA (Brunel Lifestyle Inventory,BLI), exercise self-efficacy (Norman Exercise Self-Efficacy Scale,ESE), performance and satisfaction of patient-specific goals (Modified Canadian Occupational Performance Measure,mCOPM). Paired t-tests were used to compare pre/post unplanned PA, ESE and mCOPM scores, and a Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare planned PA scores and individual questions of the BLI.

Results: Participants (n=39) mean (SD) age was 64.8(9.09) (range 41-82); 64% were men. Racial subgroups included 84.6% White, 2.6% Hispanic/Latinx, 2.6% Black, 5.1% other, and 5.1% declined. H&Y stages: I=30%, II=49%, III=21%. Pre/post-test scores showed significant increase in BLI unplanned physical activity (effect size d=0.399, p<0.01), ESE (d=0.95, p<.001) and mCOPM ratings for performance (d=1.66, p<.001) and satisfaction (d=1.46, p<.001). There was no significant change in BLI planned PA (effect size r=0.253, p<0.12), though individual questions measuring intensity and weekly duration showed significant improvements (effect size r=0.468, p=0.004 and r = 0.436, p=0.007, respectively).

Conclusion: Preliminary data provides support of a Telehealth-delivered PA coaching program for PwP, with the potential to improve self-efficacy, patient-specific goals and PA.  Future research will incorporate hybrid models of assessments and wearable activity monitors to further promote PA update.

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MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/engage-pd-a-physical-activity-coaching-program-via-telehealth-for-people-with-parkinsons-disease-preliminary-results-a-year-after-inception/