Objective: To evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a novel collaborative telehealth based physical activity intervention for people with Parkinson’s.

Background: The benefits of physical activity for people with Parkinson’s (PwP) are widely acknowledged, however a significant proportion remain inactive. How to best support physical activity and long-term participation remain unknown. PDConnect aims to support physical activity behaviour change and self-management for PwP.

Method: 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 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.

Results: 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.

Conclusion: PDConnect is feasible to deliver and rated as highly acceptable among PwP. A large-scale trial is being designed to fully evaluate the effectiveness of PDConnect.

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MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/feasibility-and-acceptability-of-pdconnect-a-collaborative-approach-to-physical-activity-for-people-with-parkinsons/