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Feasibility and acceptability of PDConnect: a collaborative approach to physical activity for people with Parkinson's.

Jones, Julie; Alexander, Lyndsay; Hancock, Liz; Cooper, Kay

Authors

Liz Hancock



Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a novel collaborative telehealth-based physical activity intervention for people with Parkinson's. The benefits of physical activity for people with Parkinson's (PwP) are widely acknowledged; however, a significant proportion remain inactive. How best to support physical activity and long-term participation remain unknown. PDConnect aims to support physical activity behaviour change and self-management for PwP. A convergent fixed parallel mixed methods study was undertaken. 31 PwP were randomly allocated to one of two groups. Usual care consisted of standard physiotherapy once a week for six-weeks. PDConnect consisted of: i) the same volume of physiotherapy, delivered by physiotherapists; ii) 12 weekly sessions of group exercise, delivered by fitness instructors; and iii) 12-weeks' supported self-management, whereby the fitness instructor contacted the PwP once per month. All staff delivering PDConnect had specialist training in Parkinson's. All physiotherapy, group exercise and support sessions were delivered via Microsoft Teams. Primary outcomes were feasibility and acceptability measures. Secondary outcomes included motor, non-motor and wellbeing measures assessed at baseline, 6, 18 and 30-weeks. PDConnect was shown to be feasible and safe. No adverse events occurred in either group. Retention rates were high (74%); only 2 participants withdrew due to issues with technology, with 6 withdrawing due to health not related to Parkinson's. Response rates for self-reported outcome measures was 97%, and for activity diaries 95%. Compliance with PDConnect was high, and 83% of participants reported that the PDConnect manuals were helpful. Participants were very satisfied with PDConnect and perceived that participation increased exercise confidence, and knowledge and understanding of Parkinson's. Participation was reported to positively impact upon Parkinson's symptoms, with perceived improvements in flexibility, muscle strength, physical activity levels, and endurance. 50% of those receiving PDConnect reported that they were much improved compared to 10% in the usual care group. PDConnect is therefore feasible in terms of implementation and was rated as highly acceptable among PwP. A large-scale trial is being designed to fully evaluate the effectiveness of PDConnect.

Citation

JONES, J., ALEXANDER, L., HANCOCK, L. and COOPER, K. 2022. Feasibility and acceptability of PDConnect: a collaborative approach to physical activity for people with Parkinson's. Presented at the 2022 International congress of Parkinson's disease and movement disorders (MDS 2022), 15-18 September 2022, Madrid, Spain.

Presentation Conference Type Poster
Conference Name 2022 International congress of Parkinson's disease and movement disorders (MDS 2022)
Conference Location Madrid, Spain
Start Date Sep 15, 2022
End Date Sep 18, 2022
Deposit Date Oct 17, 2022
Publicly Available Date Mar 28, 2024
Publisher Wiley
DOI https://doi.org/10.1002/mds.29223
Keywords Parkinson's disease; Physical activity; Physical therapy; eHealth technologies
Public URL https://rgu-repository.worktribe.com/output/1782834
Additional Information The abstract for this poster has been published with the following citation: JONES, J., ALEXANDER, L., HANCOCK, L. and COOPER, K. 2022. Feasibility and acceptability of PDConnect: a collaborative approach to physical activity for people with Parkinson's. Movement disorders [online], 37(Supplement 2): abstracts of the 2022 International congress of Parkinson's disease and movement disorders (MDS 2022), 15-18 September 2022, Madrid, Spain, page S128, abstract number 238. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1002/mds.29223

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