Objective: To investigate relationships between relative time spent in different movement intensities (Moderate-vigorous (MVPA)/ light intensity (LIPA) and Sedentary behaviour (SB)) and non-motor characteristics among people with Parkinson’s disease (PD). We also aimed to explore theoretical changes in non-motor characteristics when time in different movement behaviors is reallocated.
Background: Precision-based prescription of physical activity requires a detailed understanding of specific movement behavior in PD, and how they relate disease characteristics. There is, however, insufficient evidence for the relative benefits of different movement intensities on health in PD, due to a lack of adequately powered studies.
Method: Movement behaviors were measured using ActiGraph GT3X accelerometers and MVPA, LIPA and SB were analysed as relative time with compositional data analysis. Associations between different movement behaviors and self-reported anxiety and depression (HADS), executive function (TMT IV), self-efficacy for exercise (S-ESES) and activities-specific balance confidence (ABC) was analysed with linear regression. Theoretical changes in these outcomes when time in MVPA, LIPA and SB were reallocated was explored using Isotemporal substitution modelling.
Results: Improved executive function was associated with more relative time in MVPA and less relative time in LIPA, and improved self-efficacy for associated with more relative time in MVPA and less relative time in SB. Better perceived balance confidence was associated with more relative time in MVPA. Our exploration regarding time reallocation showed that, for all outcomes, the negative impact which occurs upon losing 20 minutes of MVPA, is relatively larger than the positive impact that occurs when the same time is gained.
Conclusion: In people with PD, more relative time spent in MVPA was associated with higher levels of executive function, stronger self-efficacy for exercise and better perceived balance confidence. These findings can be adopted in the clinical setting by communicating the importance of not losing time in MVPA to people with PD.
To cite this abstract in AMA style:
K. Larsson, H. Johansson, D. Peterson, J. Sedhed, B. Leavy. Relating Movement Behaviour and Non-motor Characteristics in People with Parkinson’s Disease: a Compositional Data Analysis Approach [abstract]. Mov Disord. 2025; 40 (suppl 1). https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/relating-movement-behaviour-and-non-motor-characteristics-in-people-with-parkinsons-disease-a-compositional-data-analysis-approach/. Accessed November 20, 2025.« Back to 2025 International Congress
MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/relating-movement-behaviour-and-non-motor-characteristics-in-people-with-parkinsons-disease-a-compositional-data-analysis-approach/