Factors explaining physical activity level in Parkinson´s disease: A gender focus

ABSTRACT

Objective: To analyze the multivariate associations between self-rated level of physical activity and demographic characteristics, self-efficacy for physical activity, fall-related self-efficacy, fear of falling, enjoyment from participation in physical activity, social support, fatigue, and health-related quality of life in persons with PD with a focus on gender.

Method: Participants were persons with PD (n = 285, mean age 69.1 ± 7 years). Self-reported scales measuring level of physical activity (Physical Activity Disability Survey–Revised), enjoyment of physical activity (study- specific questions), self-efficacy for physical activity (Exercise Self-Efficacy Scale), fall-related self-efficacy (Falls Efficacy Scale), social support (Social Influences on Physical Activity), fatigue (Fatigue Severity Scale) and health-related quality of life (Parkinson’s Disease Questionnaire-39) were used. The response rate was 58.2%.

Results: Multiple regression analyses showed that 54.5% of the level of physical activity was explained by low-degree limitations in mobility and activities of daily life (ADL), being younger, higher self-efficacy for physical activity, communication limitations, bodily discomfort, social support and shorter time since diagnosis. Enjoyment of physical activity explained the level of physical activity for women, whereas self-efficacy for physical activity explained the level of physical activity for men.

Conclusion: Implementing strategies to increase functional mobility, self-efficacy for physical activity, social support, and enjoyment of physical activity might facilitate persons with PD beginning and/or maintain different physical activities.

KEYWORDS:

• Gender
• Parkinson′s disease
• physical activity level
• physical therapy
• self-efficacy
• rehabilitation

Acknowledgments

Isabell Ahlström is acknowledged for assistance in data collection. This research was funded by Health Research Funds of Uppsala University, Sweden and Neuro Sweden, Sweden. We thank the language reviewers for contributing to the translation the measurement instrument and for revising the manuscript.

Declaration of Interest

The authors have no conflict of interest to report.