Mapping the Correlation of Everyday Physical Activity With Motor and Non-Motor Symptoms in Parkinson’s Disease

Abstract

Background

People with Parkinson’s experience both motor and non-motor symptoms (NMS), with bradykinesia and dyskinesia being key motor symptoms. People with Parkinson’s are typically less physically active than age matched peers, and physical inactivity is associated with more severe symptoms, reduced functional capacity, and lower quality of life. Most prior research has relied on self-reported data, which can introduce bias. Wearable technologies enable the objective assessment of physical activity (PA) and symptom severity in real world settings.

Objective

To examine the relationship between objectively measured PA and the severity of bradykinesia, dyskinesia, and NMS in People with Parkinson’s during daily life.

Methods

A cross-sectional analysis of 6 weeks of data from the Parkinson KinetiGraph. Daily PA was assessed via step count, while motor symptom severity was evaluated using Parkinson KinetiGraph-derived bradykinesia and dyskinesia scores, and NMS were assessed using the Non-Motor Symptoms Questionnaire.

Results

Participants (n = 80, mean age = 64.3 years; 54% male) demonstrated a wide range of activity levels, with a mean daily step count of 6139 (range = 46-18.265). Higher daily step counts were moderately to strongly associated with lower bradykinesia (r = −.52, P < .001) and higher dyskinesia levels (r = .56, P < .001).

Conclusion

Higher PA levels are associated with reduced bradykinesia and increased mild dyskinesia. Wearable devices enable objective monitoring in daily life.

Further studies should explore its relationship with specific NMS.