Barriers to Physical Activity among Adults with Idiopathic Parkinson's Disease (PD) (P04.151)

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Identify and rank barriers to exercise perceived by adults with PD.

BACKGROUND: Despite attention given to exercise and health promotion over the last decade, specific studies on exercise preferences and barriers to exercise among persons with PD are scarce and results are conflicting.

DESIGN/METHODS: We administered a validated instrument on physical activity and structured exercise - the Barriers to Physical Exercise in Disability Survey (Rimmer et al., 2002) to a convenience sample of 11 ambulatory patients with PD. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics.

RESULTS: Respondent characteristics: 63% male; 63.0±6.3 years of age; 1.5±1.5 years post-diagnosis; H&Y I and II; PDQ-39 22.0±13.5; MMSE 28.5±1.9; CES-D 9.4±6.3. Top three physical exercise preferences were: yard work (72%), strengthening (63%); and housework (54%). All respondents reported 1 or more barriers to exercise participation. The top five barriers were: lack of motivation (72%) and time (63%), no equipment at home (54%), laziness (50%), lack of energy (40%). Ninety percent wanted to begin an exercise program tailored to their needs but were restricted by the barriers reported. The majority belief was that “exercise will not worsen my condition”, but 54% reported “my doctor never told me to do any specific exercise”. In 63% of the sample, an exercise program had been developed by the patient or caregiver. Less than 50% had ever been to a physical therapist. 54% believed “an exercise instructor in a fitness center would not know how to set up an exercise program for me”.

CONCLUSIONS: Adults with PD are interested in becoming more physically active but are limited in doing so because of their inability to overcome several barriers to increased physical activity participation. Barriers due to non-motor features or lack of trained personnel may be modifiable. The study needs to be replicated in a larger sample.

Supported by: Duke Foundation; Carolinas HealthCare Foundation.

Disclosure: Dr. Englert has received personal compensation for activities with Medtronic, Inc., Teva Neuroscience, and UCB Pharma. Dr. Englert has received research support from Schering-Plough, Schwarz Bioscience, and Teva Neuroscience. Dr. Hirsch has nothing to disclose. Dr. Sanjak has nothing to disclose. Dr. Russo has nothing to disclose. Dr. Quinlan has nothing to disclose. Dr. Crum has nothing to disclose. Dr. Iyer has received research support from Schering-Plough, Schwarz Biosciences, and Teva Neuroscience.