Objective: To compare the self-reported motor and non-motor symptoms in Brazilian people with Parkinson´s disease (PD) that performed home-based remotely exercise (asynchronous or synchronous) or no exercise in the first three months of COVID-19 pandemic.

Background: The restricted people circulation imposed to control the COVID-19 pandemic make people stay at home and increasing time of physical inactivity [1,2]. However, exercise routine is the main strategy to prevent neurological conditions [2] and to perform physical activity reduces PD progression [3]. It is well-established that higher level of physical activity improves PD-related symptom [4] and the home-based remotely exercise is a good strategy to keep active physically during COVID-19 confinement but if synchronous or asynchronous exercises improve the self-reported motor and non-motor symptoms in PD is still unclear.

Method: Individuals with PD who performed asynchronous (n=19), synchronous (n=24) or none (Control Group-CG) (n=15) exercise at home were invited to fill an electronic questionary. The questions were about the effects of home confinement on self-reported motor and non-motor symptoms, quality of life (PDQ-8), level of physical activity (IPAQ- short version), anxiety and depression (HAD) and sleep quality (MSQ). The variables were compared among groups using a univariate analysis and Tukey post hoc were used when ANOVA showed significant effect (p<0.05).

Results: The three groups presented worsening in symptoms compared with CG, which have showed worsening in tremor and imbalance symptoms. The synchronous group felt lesser isolated and perceived worsening on fatigue compared to the other groups. The CG perceived worsening on sleep quality compared to both exercise groups. Synchronous exercise increased level of physical activity compared asynchronous group and CG and reduced levels of anxiety compared only to CG. The asynchronous exercise reduced levels of depression compared to CG [figure 1].

Conclusion: Synchronous or asynchronous exercises were beneficial to maintain physical activity level and improve self-reported non-motor symptoms of anxiety and depression in Brazilian people with PD during the COVID-19 pandemic.

References: [1] Cavallieri F, Sireci F, Fioravanti V, et al. Parkinson Patients’ needs during COVID‐19 pandemic in a red zone: a Framework Analysis of Open‐Ended Survey Questions. European Journal of Neurology 2021; 1–9. [2] Schirinzi T, Di Lazzaro G, Salimei C, et al. Physical Activity Changes and Correlate Effects in Patients with Parkinson’s Disease during COVID-19 Lockdown. Movement Disorders Clinical Practice 2020; 7: 797–802. [3] Fayyaz M, Jaffery SS, Anwar F, et al. The Effect of Physical Activity in Parkinson’s Disease: A Mini-Review. Cureus; 10. Epub ahead of print 2018. DOI: 10.7759/cureus.2995. [4] Li Y, Song H, Shen L, et al. The efficacy and safety of moderate aerobic exercise for patients with Parkinson ’ s disease : a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Epub ahead of print 2021. DOI: 10.21037/apm-20-1661.

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