Category: Huntington's Disease
Objective: To assess PA levels in individuals enrolled in the ENROLL-HD database, and compare demographic characteristics between PE practitioners, and non-practitioners
Background: Neurological disorders have been recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as the leading cause of disability and the second leading cause of death globally in 2022. Daily physical activity (PA) has been recommended by the WHO as a means to mitigate cognitive decline and mortality. Recent estimates suggest a PA prevalence of 52% in the Argentinean population. Huntington’s disease (HD) is characterized by neuropsychiatric, cognitive, and motor symptoms and is influenced by genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors. Studies indicate a potential positive effect of physical exercise (PE) on delaying HD onset and reducing its severity.
Despite evidence supporting the benefits of PE, its prescription as a complementary treatment for HD patients faces limitations.
Method: A cross-sectional retrospective analysis was conducted from June 2020 to March 2024, utilizing PE data from the ENROLL-HD database. Descriptive statistics were employed.
Results: The sample comprised 122 individuals, with 60% being female, mean age 45.1 ± 14.6 years, and mean years of education (YOE) 15.8 ± 3.8. Of these, 8.1% were non-HD, 15.6% were at risk for HD, 21.3% had premanifest HD (p-HD), and 55% had symptomatic HD (s-HD). Among p-HD and s-HD individuals, p-HD constituted 65.38% females, with a mean age of 44.7± 14.4 years and mean YOE 15.88 ± 3.11. The s-HD group comprised 58.2% females, with a mean age of 45.2 ± 14.6 years and mean YOE 15.8 ± 3.1.
20% of non-HD (p:0.42, 95% CI), 15.9% of those at risk for HD (p:0.11, 95% CI), 26.9% of premanifest HD (p:0.6, 95% CI), and 38.7% of symptomatic HD(p:0.04, 95% CI) reported PA.
Conclusion: Despite recognition of the benefits of PA in HD prevention and progression, our study reveals low PA levels among HD individuals. This underutilization may stem from various factors, including limited access, lack of social insurance, cost, and inadequate medical prescription. Despite study limitations, these findings underscore the importance of educating patients, families, clinicians, and neurologists about the multifaceted benefits of PA in HD, emphasizing the need for improved access and implementation of physical therapy interventions
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To cite this abstract in AMA style:
M. Espindola, N. Gonzalez Rojas, G. da Prat, M. Cesarini, G. Peker, J. Etcheverry, E. Gatto. Physical Activity Levels and Demographic Characteristics in Individuals with Huntington’s Disease: Insights from the ENROLL-HD Database in an Argentinian Movement Disorder Center [abstract]. Mov Disord. 2024; 39 (suppl 1). https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/physical-activity-levels-and-demographic-characteristics-in-individuals-with-huntingtons-disease-insights-from-the-enroll-hd-database-in-an-argentinian-movement-disorder-center/. Accessed October 10, 2024.« Back to 2024 International Congress
MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/physical-activity-levels-and-demographic-characteristics-in-individuals-with-huntingtons-disease-insights-from-the-enroll-hd-database-in-an-argentinian-movement-disorder-center/