Abstract
Objective: We sought to quantify a range of input and experience to guide the selection process for wearable activity trackers for older adults with Parkinson’s disease (PD).
Background: The Department of Neurology, with support from the Parkinson’s Foundation, has established a long-term exercise program for older individuals with PD. A key issue: “how to get more people to adopt the actions that…work” (i.e., exercise). In 2018, participants were recruited to use a physical activity tracker to potentially extend the reach and impact of the program. Results of a 10-month program were presented at AAN. Subsequently the Parkinson’s Foundation sponsored a virtual program to disseminate these results and answer questions about trackers from a national audience.
Design/Methods: The Parkinson’s Foundation program, “Wearable Fitness Trackers in Parkinson’s Research,” generated a range of feedback. The presentation was focused on trackers for individuals who are older, with physical and/or cognitive challenges, and included input from a Parkinson’s Foundation Patient Research Advocate. The responses were tabulated and used to generate a decision aid that can guide the selection of a suitable tracker. This process was also informed by prior publications. The decision aid focuses on desired characteristics (e.g., waterproof), not the identification of specific devices.
Results: Key findings: (1) there is widespread interest in physical activity trackers in the PD community; (2) many potential users have limited technical experience; (3) many have physical and/or cognitive challenges; (4) ease of use is key (for example, regular charging can be a challenge); (5) cost is a consideration; (6) negative experience with tracker technology is common; (7) there is limited choice of suitable devices. The decision aid takes these factors into account.
Conclusions: There is widespread interest in physical activity trackers within the PD community. This decision aid addresses device selection, an essential first step to any deployment or evaluation of this technology.
Disclosure: The institution of Ms. Ingersoll has received research support from Parkinson’s Foundation (PF). Kenneth Hayashida has nothing to disclose. Kris Mendenhall has nothing to disclose. SARAH OSBORNE has received personal compensation for serving as an employee of Parkinson’s Foundation.
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