Title: The effect of a longer period of exercise in people with Parkinson's disease
Funder: Department of Health (England)

Abstract: Background Participation in exercise is beneficial for health and wellbeing, but the effect over a longer period of time in people with Parkinson’s disease (PD) has not been established. People with PD currently only receive short-term support for exercise therapy interventions funded from NHS services; it is therefore unsurprising that people with PD are observed to have low levels of physical activity that decrease over time. We have evaluated the feasibility of safely supporting exercise in the community for people with long-term neurological conditions. This study sets out to determine the effect of exercise performe over a longer period of time, delivered using community facilities supported from current NHS PD services, on motor and non motor symptoms, health and wellbeing in people with PD.? Aims Using mixed methodology we will explore the effect of exercise delivered over a longer period of time (six months) in people with PD. We will examine the views of people participating in the programme. Specifically we will: 1) Use a randomised controlled trial with one intervention arm and a active comparator control group and blinded assessments to determine the effect of exercise on motor and non motor symptoms, fitness, health and wellbeing in people with PD. 2) Use semi-structured interview techniques to explore participants’ views of the service. We will explore the fidelity of the intervention and determine effect and sample size calculations. The results will be used to design a definitive Phase III Randomised Controlled Trial (RCT). Plan of Investigation Participants: Adults with Parkinson’s disease (PD) who are able to walk 100m. Design: Mixed methodology including: a single blind randomised controlled trial with one intervention arm and an active comparator control group with blinded assessments and process monitoring/evaluation using semi-structured interview techniques. Setting: The community of Oxfordshire and Reading Intervention: A six month community exercise programme delivered by a fitness professional with physiotherapy support. An active comparator control group will perform a hand writing programme. Measures: We will assess at study entry and then at three, six and twelve months. Outcome: We will determine the effect of the exercise programme on motor and non motor PD symptoms, fitness, health and wellbeing. Potential Impact Parkinson's Disease (PD) is one of the commonest neurological conditions to affect older persons. The overall prevalence in the general population is 160 per 100,000 with an annual incidence of 13 per 100,000. It is a frequent cause of falls, fractures, and hospital admission and a costly disease especially in the later stages. Short exercise interventions benefit people with PD. Exercise over a longer period of time has been suggested to improve mobility, health and wellbeing, slow the impact of the disease and thus potentially reduce health care costs in people with PD although this has not been examined. We will provide an evaluation of longer-term exercise supported from current PD services delivered in the community that may be applicable for other neurological conditions.


Research activity codes: 7.1 INDIVIDUAL CARE NEEDS;6.7 PHYSICAL
Health categories: NEUROLOGICAL