Behaviour Change for Parkinson's Disease: A Randomised Controlled Feasibility Study to Promote Physical Activity and Exercise Adherence Among People with Parkinson's Disease

OBJECTIVE: Exercise reduces fall risk, sarcopenia and frailty in Parkinson's disease, but motor and non-motor symptoms hinder adherence. This study aimed to feasibility test an exercise intervention with behaviour change techniques, examining recruitment, procedures, and measure responsiveness.

METHODS: A mixed-methods parallel-arm, single-blinded, randomized feasibility study. Participants (Hoehn and Yahr 1-3) were randomly allocated to intervention or control groups. Both received 12-weeks of education, supervised exercise, and home exercises. The intervention group received additional behaviour change techniques. Enrolment, attendance, adherence, and adverse events were recorded. Outcomes included walking activity, balance, falls, strength, and exercise self-efficacy. Surveys and interviews explored acceptability.

RESULTS: Twenty-six people were screened; sixteen randomized, fourteen completed. Exercise class attendance in both groups was high. Adherence to home exercises was higher in the intervention group (70% vs 63%). No serious adverse events. Time resources were acceptable. Walking activity and aerobic endurance reached minimally important differences. Interviews indicated participants enjoyed the group dynamic and gained skills. Feedback will improve acceptability.

CONCLUSION: The intervention is feasible and well-accepted. While not designed to measure frailty, sarcopenia, or fall risk directly, enhancing adherence through behaviour change techniques and tailoring interventions to individual preferences maybe a promising strategy to support long-term exercise engagement. ClinicalTrials.gov: ID: NCT06192628.