Physical Activity of People with Parkinson’s Disease with Regard to Participation in Rehabilitation Program

Introduction: In addition to the significant role of physical rehabilitation as a non-pharmacological treatment for Parkinson's disease (PD), positive impact of various forms of physical activity (PA) in slowing down of the disease should be pointed out. There is a lack of research on the topic of physical activity undertaken by people with Parkinson's disease, which is part of lifestyle. Aim: The aim of the study was to determine the level of physical activity of people suffering from Parkinson's disease who were participating and were not participating in the rehabilitation process compared to healthy people. Methods: The study included 66 people diagnosed with PD in II stage of the disease according to the Hoehn and Yahr scale and 50 healthy people. The subjects were divided into 3 groups: group A subjects with PD participating in the rehabilitation activities (n=32, 14 women, 18 men, at the age of 61.31±4.64 years, disease duration at the 5.13±4.83), group B people with PD nonparticipating in the rehabilitation activities (n=34, 15 women, 19 men, at the age of 62.65±4.84 years, disease duration at the 5.76±3.45), group C healthy people (n=50, 27 women, 23 men, age 60.95±3.68). To assess the level of PA the short version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was used and a weekly volume of physical activity in the 3 zones of intensity was set. The intensity of effort was determined by using a metabolic equivalent (metabolic equivalent MET). Results: Analysis of the level of PA showed statistically significant differences between groups A and B, and A and C in all zones of intensity. No statistically significant differences were found between groups A and C. Analysis of weekly volume of PA showed a statistically significant differences between groups A and B (F=3.56, p<0.001), and B and C (F=2.43, p<0.002). No statistically significant difference was observed between groups A and C (F=5.78, p<0.02). Conclusion: The level of physical activity of people with PD varies depending on participation in the rehabilitation process. Physical activity of people with PD participating in the rehabilitation process is at a comparable level to healthy people.