Objective: Evaluate the effect of the EQP program, on Physical Activity (PA) participation and functional walking capacity among people with Parkinson’s disease (PwP) compared with a control condition.

Background: Regular PA is recommended for PwP and associated with improvements in functional capacity and quality of life. However, many PwP remain insufficiently active due to motor symptoms, reduced confidence, fatigue, and limited access to rehabilitation programs. Behavioral approaches that combine PA guidance with individualized support may help overcome these barriers and facilitate sustained PA. However, evidence on culturally adapted coaching-based interventions for PwP in the Middle East remains limited.

Method: Participants with Parkinson’s Disease (PD) were allocated to either an intervention or a control group. The EQP program is an 8-week PA coaching intervention designed to support PwP in increasing and sustaining PA. The program combines individualized activity guidance with behavioral coaching strategies, including goal setting, regular follow-up, motivational support, and monitoring of activity levels. PA was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), expressed as MET-min/week, and functional walking capacity was assessed using the Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT). Outcomes were measured at baseline and follow-up, and between-group differences and effect sizes were examined.

Results: Twenty-six participants with available group allocation were included in the analysis (13 intervention, 13 control). At follow-up, the intervention group demonstrated higher PA levels compared with controls (IPAQ: 1194.8 ± 1114.5 vs 303.1 ± 596.8 MET-min/week). Walking capacity was also greater in the intervention group (6MWT: 284.0 ± 169.8 m) compared with the control group (116.1 ± 145.0 m). The magnitude of the intervention effect was large for both outcomes, with Cohen’s d of approximately 1.00 for IPAQ and 1.06 for the 6MWT.

Conclusion: The EQP program demonstrated meaningful improvements in PA participation and walking capacity among PwP. These findings suggest that coaching-based strategies may be effective in supporting sustained engagement in PA and improving functional mobility in PD. Further studies with larger samples are warranted to confirm these findings and evaluate long-term effects.

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MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/engage-qatar-pd-eqp-pilot-rct-of-a-remote-coaching-intervention-using-online-platform-to-promote-engagement-in-physical-activity-in-people-with-parkinsons-disease-in-qatar/