Effect of Exercise and Rehabilitation Therapy on Risk of Hospitalization in Parkinson's Disease

Abstract

Background: Exercise and physical therapy (PT) can improve motor function and quality of life in individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD), but their role in hospitalization avoidance is not well-studied. Objectives: To determine the longitudinal and temporal association of exercise and PT use with hospital encounter. Methods: Longitudinal regression and χ2 analyses were performed on Parkinson's Foundation Parkinson's Outcome Project exercise and PT use data from 4674 and 9259 persons with PD, respectively. Results: Greater exercise duration and intensity were associated with reduced odds of hospital encounter, whereas both PT and occupational therapy use were associated with increased odds. In the 2 years before a hospital encounter, there was an increased frequency of PT use, but not reductions in exercise. Conclusions: Consistent exercise may reduce hospitalization risk whereas PT referral may identify at-risk individuals without preventing this outcome. Further work to incentivize consistent exercise in PD may reduce healthcare use.