Category: Parkinson's Disease (Other)
Objective: To identify the main self-reported barriers to PE adherence in individuals with PD.
Background: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative syndrome that leads to motor and non-motor impairments, contributing to reduced functionality and quality of life [1]. There is strong evidence that pharmacological treatment alone is not sufficient [2,3]. In this regard, Physical Exercise (PE), when guided by a physiotherapist with appropriate prescription, can provide neurochemical, motor, cognitive, psychological, and social benefits [4,5]. However, individuals with PD tend to have low levels of PE engagement [6,7]. Understanding the main difficulties related to PE adherence can help develop intervention strategies and health education programs that encourage participation in physiotherapy activities [8].
Method: This is a cross-sectional Brazilian study approved by the Research Ethics Committee under CAEE: 39816320.1.0000.0102. Data were collected through a qualitative semi-structured interview conducted by a physiotherapist, which included basic health information and questions regarding the main barriers to PE adherence.
Results: The sample consisted of 37 individuals, including 21 women, with a mean age of 65.97 ± 8.48 years. Participants were classified according to the Hoehn & Yahr scale into stages 1 (n=15, 40%), 2 (n=17, 45%), 3 (n=12, 32%), and 4 (n=3, 8%). The main self-reported barriers were physical conditions (48.65%), psychological aspects (18.92%), and external factors (8.11%). Only 24.32% of the sample reported no difficulties. Among physical conditions, slowness and mobility difficulties accounted for 18.92% of responses, followed by pain (13.51%). Regarding psychological aspects, lack of motivation (13.51%) was a notable factor. External barriers included lack of time and financial issues (8.11%).
Conclusion: Physical Exercise is crucial in physiotherapeutic treatment and functional improvement for individuals with PD. However, in addition to healthcare professionals’ involvement in designing effective programs, patient adherence is essential within person-centered care. Therefore, understanding the main barriers and individual preferences of these patients can promote adherence and expand access to physiotherapeutic exercise programs.
References: 1. KOULI, A.; TORSNEY, K. M.; KUAN, W.-L. Parkinson’s Disease: Etiology, Neuropathology, and Pathogenesis. Codon Publications eBooks, p. 3–26, 2018. Codon Publications. Disponível em:
2. EMIG, M. et al. The Role of Exercise in Parkinson’s Disease. Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry and Neurology, v. 34, n. 4, p. 321–330, 2021. SAGE Publishing. Disponível em:
3. MARTINS, C. C. M.; CAON, G.; MORAES, C. M. O. A Doença de Parkinson e o Processo de Envelhecimento Motor: uma Revisão de Literatura. Saúde e Desenvolvimento Humano, v. 8, n. 3, p. 155–155, 2020. Disponível em:
4. CUI, W. et al. The effects of exercise dose on patients with Parkinson’s disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Journal of Neurology, v. 270, n. 11, p. 5327–5343, 2023. Springer Science+Business Media. Disponível em:
5. OLIVEIRA, M. P. B. et al. Effect of aerobic exercise on functional capacity and quality of life in individuals with Parkinson’s disease: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics, v. 95, p. 104422–104422, 2021. Elsevier BV. Disponível em:
6. ZAMAN, A. et al. Determinants of exercise behaviour in persons with Parkinson’s disease. Disability and Rehabilitation, v. 43, n. 5, p. 696–702, 2019. Informa. Disponível em:
7. BULL, F. C. et al. World Health Organization 2020 guidelines on physical activity and sedentary behaviour. British Journal of Sports Medicine, v. 54, n. 24, p. 1451–1462, 2020. BMJ. Disponível em:
8. IZQUIERDO, M.; DUQUE, G.; MORLEY, J. E. Physical activity guidelines for older people: knowledge gaps and future directions. The Lancet Healthy Longevity, v. 2, n. 6, p. e380–e383, 2021. Elsevier BV. Disponível em:
To cite this abstract in AMA style:
S. Souza, G. Leveck, T. Christinelli, L. Paladini, V. Israel. Barriers To Physical Exercise Adherence In Individuals With Parkinson’s Disease: A Cross-Sectional Study [abstract]. Mov Disord. 2025; 40 (suppl 1). https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/barriers-to-physical-exercise-adherence-in-individuals-with-parkinsons-disease-a-cross-sectional-study/. Accessed October 5, 2025.« Back to 2025 International Congress
MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/barriers-to-physical-exercise-adherence-in-individuals-with-parkinsons-disease-a-cross-sectional-study/