Physical activity profiles in Parkinson's disease

Background Identifying physical activity (PA) profiles of people with Parkinson's Disease (PD) could provide clinically meaningful knowledge concerning how to tailor PA interventions. Our objectives were therefore to i) identify distinct PA profiles in people with PD based on accelerometer data, ii) explore differences between the profiles regarding personal characteristics and physical function. Methods Accelerometer data from 301 participants (43% women, mean age: 71 years) was analysed using latent profile analyses of 15 derived PA variables. Physical function measurements included balance performance, comfortable gait speed and single and dual-task functional mobility. Results Three distinct profiles were identified; Sedentary (N = 68), Light Movers (N = 115), Steady Movers (N = 118). Sedentary included people with PD with high absolute and relative time spent in Sedentary behaviour (SB), little time light intensity physical activity (LIPA) and negligible moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). Light Movers were people with PD with values close to the mean for all activity variables. Steady Movers spent less time in SB during midday, and more time in LIPA and MVPA throughout the day, compared to the other profiles. Sedentary people had poorer balance (P = 0.006), poorer functional mobility (P = 0.027) and were more likely to have fallen previously (P = 0.027), compared to Light Movers. The Timed Up and Go test, an easily performed clinical test of functional mobility, was the only test that could distinguish between all three profiles. Conclusion Distinct PA profiles, with clear differences in how the time awake is spent exist among people with mild-moderate PD.

Automated summary

Distinct physical activity profiles were identified among people with mild-moderate Parkinson's Disease, including Sedentary, Light Movers, and Steady Movers. Sedentary individuals showed poorer balance, functional mobility, and higher likelihood of previous falls compared to Light Movers. The Timed Up and Go test was the only measure that could differentiate between the three profiles.