Objective: To establish the effects of COVID-19 “lockdown” on physical activity and patients’ perception of PD symptoms.

Background: Physical activity in Parkinson Disease (PD) is associated with beneficial effects on symptoms, possibly through facilitation of dopaminergic transmission. Conversely, sedentary behavior is related to decreased quality of life. We conducted a clinical audit in order to assess the effects of COVID-19 “lockdown” on physical activity and PD symptoms and the need to address this issue during remote consultations.

Method: Following the institution of 2020 “lockdown” in the United Kingdom and the suspension of all face-to-face Movement Disorders outpatient clinics, we organized a clinical audit for sixty-two patients with Parkinson disease currently enrolled in observational, non-interventional clinical studies at the Clinical Ageing Research Unit (Newcastle University) in order to assess emerging clinical needs. Sixty-two patients were remotely interviewed during the “lockdown” period from 22^nd April to May 10^th 2020 and underwent a 6-question questionnaire concerning physical activity (1 to 5 point scale), relevant new or worsening PD symptoms, motor complications. MDS-UPDRS parts I, II and IV were also used as questionnaires in order to assess symptoms; for each item, patients were also asked whether subjective worsening had occurred since “lockdown” initiation.

Results: Thirty-seven patients (59.6%) reported a decrease in physical activity. Subjective worsening in any MDS-UPDRS item was reported by 52 patients (83.9%). The most common worsening symptoms were tremor, walking and balance, depression and anxiety. Twenty-two patients (35.5%) also reported MDS-UPDRS IV worsening items. The amount of MDS-UPDRS parts I and II worsening items were each associated with decreased physical activity (p=0.008 and p=0.030, respectively). MDS-UPDRS I worsening items were significantly greater in women.

Conclusion: This audit showed that COVID-19 “lockdown” had detrimental effects on physical activity and on patients’ perception of PD symptoms: a decrease in physical activity was associated with subjective worsening of motor and non-motor symptoms. Also, females more frequently reported non-motor symptoms worsening. Findings of this clinical audit indicate that during the COVID-19 pandemic healthcare professionals are called to stress the importance of maintaining regular physical activity in PD.

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MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/physical-activity-and-subjective-perception-of-pd-symptoms-during-covid-19-lockdown-a-clinical-audit/