Physical Activity, Patient-Reported Outcomes, and Quality of Life in Parkinson's Disease.

Background

Physical activity has been shown to improve motor symptoms in numerous Parkinson's Disease (PD) clinical trials. However, the relationship between physical activity (PA), patient-reported outcomes, and quality of life (QoL) in a community-dwelling cohort has not been well-characterized.

Methods

To evaluate this association, data were obtained from the internet-based Modifiable Variables in Parkinsonism Study (n = 415). Patient-reported outcomes and QoL were assessed by the Patient-Reported Outcomes in Parkinson's Disease (PRO-PD) and Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS), respectively. Regression models controlled for age, sex, and disease duration.

Results

As PA increased, PROMIS scores increased (P < 0.001) and motor and non-motor symptom PRO-PD scores decreased (P < 0.001) implying improved symptoms and QoL. The association between PA and symptom severity was significant in women, but not men.

Conclusions

These data may imply improved symptoms and QoL with increased PA frequency in individuals with PD. Sex differences in the relationship between PA and PD outcomes warrant further investigation.