Coaching and Physiotherapy for Sedentary Parkinson Disease Patients

A tailored behavior-based exercise program did not improve level of activity on a questionnaire but improved secondary measures of physical activity and fitness.

To examine the effects of a behavioral change–based exercise program (ParkFit) compared with standard physiotherapy for Parkinson disease (PD), researchers conducted a multicenter study of 586 sedentary patients with mild-to-moderate PD (Hoehn and Yahr stage ≤3). The ParkFit program is based on models and theories on how to achieve behavioral change through motivation and through active feedback. All patients had regular, tailored physiotherapy. In addition, patients randomized to the ParkFit group had monthly meetings with activity coaches. The primary outcome was the average level of physical activity from questionnaires that patients completed every 6 months for 2 years. Secondary outcomes were an activity diary, an ambulatory activity m…

Reviewing Author

Michael S. Okun, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardParkinson’s Foundation; Tourette Association of America

Speaker’s BureauMedscape/WebMD CME, Movement Disorders Society CME, American Academy of Neurology CME

RoyaltiesBooks4Patients; Demos; Cambridge; Taylor and Francis; Robert Rose; Public Affairs

Grant/Research SupportNational Institutes of Health; Parkinson’s Foundation; Tourette Association of America; University of Florida Foundation

Editorial BoardsTremor and Other Hyperkinetic Movements; JAMA Neurology

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesParkinson’s Foundation (Medical Advisor)