Objective: To examine the usability of a smartwatch heart rate monitor for monitoring aerobic exercise compliance during a 6-month brisk walking program, and to evaluate the level of client satisfaction in people with Parkinson’s disease (PD).

Background: Mobile technology combined with evidence-based intervention is an important advancement for PD management [1]. Sustained moderate-intensity aerobic training is beneficial in improving functions and delaying PD disability progression [2]. However, the feasibility and client satisfaction of using a validated smartwatch system to monitor long-term exercise compliance in PD is rarely reported.

Method: PD participants were equipped with a validated smartwatch heart rate monitor [3] for brisk walking training at moderate intensity (40-60% heart rate reserve) in a 6-month randomized controlled trial. Exercise duration and intensity displayed in smartwatch was available for participants’ reference in real-time. After synchronization, individual record was accessible via mobile apps for participants’ self-monitoring and online system for data analysis. Participants were recommended to accumulate and maintain at least 150 minutes of supervised and home exercise weekly after initial 6-week. An eight-item self-reported client satisfaction survey in 5-point Likert scale was conducted about the usage of the smartwatch system at post-training.

Results: Fifty-seven participants completed 6-month brisk walking program with exercise data analysed. At weeks 7-26, over 85% of participants performed exercise ≥ 3 days per week, at training heart rate of 118.4±8.2 beat per minute (51.0±7.9% of heart rate reserve). About 70% of participants achieved 150 minutes of moderate intensity brisk walking weekly, with an average time of 143±11.2 minutes per week. About 85% of participant agreed that the smartwatch was easy to wear and operate, and in proper size with clear screen display. Some 90% agreed it was convenient to check the exercise duration and training zone at real-time, and they could get adequate technical support from the research team. Over 90% indicated that the smartwatch system enabled them to self-monitor exercise performance and establish good compliance.

Conclusion: The smartwatch system is a feasible and useful mobile technology for aerobic training in people with PD, which yields a high level of client satisfaction.

References: 1. Ellis TD, Earhart GM. Digital therapeutics in Parkinson’s disease: practical applications and future potential. Journal of Parkinson’s Disease 2021;(Preprint):1-7.
2. Mak MK, Wong-Yu IS. Exercise for Parkinson’s disease. International Review of Neurobiology 2019;147:1-44.
3. Mak M, Ren L, Kong L, Wong I. Validity of a physical activity tracker for heart rate measurement during aerobic exercise in people with Parkinson’s disease.
Parkinsonism & Related Disorders. 2020;79:e42-3.

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MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/feasibility-of-using-mobile-technology-for-aerobic-exercise-management-in-people-with-parkinsons-disease/