Objective: The objective is to present a successful and safe community-based Parkinson’s Disease program during a worldwide pandemic.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic shut down most exercise and social opportunities for people living with Parkinson’s disease (PD).  Recently, Subramanian et al. (2020) demonstrated a significant negative relationship between loneliness and quality of life.  This, combined with the well known positive effects of exercise, revealed the urgency to find a way to keep people with PD moving and engaged. The Park Avenue Project was developed by outpatient Physical and Speech therapists and funded by a community grant from the Parkinson’s Foundation.  The program offers free, year round, multi-leveled group exercise, voice, nutrition and support classes.

Method: 43 participants joined the Park Avenue project, all participants had been previously diagnosed with PD (H&Y stages 1-4) and underwent an examination to determine which class challenge level was most appropriate.  Participants completed the 5 times Sit to Stand (5xSTS), 10 meter walk test fast (10MWT), Activities of Balance and Confidence (ABC), UCLA Loneliness Scale (UCLA), Voice Handicap Inventory (VHI), and floor to stand ability.  All in-person classes took place in a 1000sqft private space.  Participants were required to have their temperatures checked and hands washed upon entry.  A face mask was required and participants were socially distanced by at least 6 feet.

Results: A total of 113 sessions were provided during the first 6 months of the grant. 78 PWR! Moves and Yoga classes (both delivered online and in-person) were provided with an average of 7 attendees present and 44 LOUD and SING classes (delivered on-line only) were provided with an average of 6 attendees per class.   Group means of the participants were ABC=80.4/100, UCLA=39.5/80, 5xSTS=11.2 seconds, and 10MWT = 1.0 m/s and VHI 48.6/120.  There were no cases of COVID-19 and no falls.

Conclusion: As a result of the COVID-19 restrictions, in person classes were limited in size with covid precautions in place, or transitioned to a virtual format to reach out to those remaining at home. Despite a global pandemic this community  program reached over 40 people with PD and successfully kept people safe and moving, while concurrently preventing social isolation.

References: Subramanian, I., Farahnik, J. & Mischley, L.K. Synergy of pandemics-social isolation is associated with worsened Parkinson severity and quality of life. npj Parkinsons Dis. 6, 28 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41531-020-00128-9

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MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/implementing-a-community-based-parkinsons-disease-wellness-program-during-covid/