Physical Activity in Persons With Parkinson's Disease

This project aims to identify why some people with Parkinson's disease (PwPD) become less physically active, and which factors support or hinder activity. Understanding these factors is essential for developing person centred interventions and effective support that can be implemented in routine healthcare. A national, multicentre longitudinal cohort study will be conducted including approx 450 PwPD from five Swedish regions (including the internal pilot NCT06901869). Physical activity will be measured objectively with activity monitors, combined with clinical assessments and digital questionnaires over four years. The primary outcome is physical activity level (accelerometer measured decline), and exposure variables include physical, cognitive, disease specific, social, environmental, motivational, and personal factors. Data collection involves clinical tests, questionnaires, accelerometer data, and patient reported experiences.

This is a continuation of an internal pilot study NCT06901869. The study will enable early identification of those at risk for declining activity and guide development of person centred, evidence based interventions. Long term, it aims to integrate activity monitoring and risk factor screening into routine care to improve health and quality of life for PwPD.