Feasibility and acceptability of PDConnect, a multi-component intervention to support physical activity in people with Parkinson's disease: A mixed methods study

Abstract

Background: Physical activity (PA) is beneficial for people with Parkinson's (PwP); however, many are classed as sedentary. PDConnect is an online multicomponent intervention combining 1:1 physiotherapy and group-based PA combined with education, behavior change and self-management strategies, promoting PA and self-management among PwP. Objective: To assess feasibility and acceptability of PDConnect. Methods: Mixed methods study involving 31 PwP randomly allocated to: (i) usual care: physiotherapy once a week for six weeks, and (ii) PDConnect: physiotherapy once a week for six weeks, followed by 12 weekly sessions of group-based PA, followed by three monthly Teams calls to support engagement. Outcomes included intervention feasibility and acceptability (primary) assessed via survey and interviews; PA, motor, non-motor symptoms, and health and well-being (secondary) assessed at baseline, and at six, 18, and 30 weeks. Fidelity was accessed by post hoc video analysis. Results: Online delivery of PDConnect was feasible and safe. Participant retention was 74%. Response rate of self-reported measures was 97%. 95% of participants returned completed activity diaries. Attendance was high, with all participants recommending PDConnect. PDConnect participants reported improved flexibility, muscle strength, and endurance as well as increased PA confidence, PA levels and knowledge of Parkinson's disease. Half of PDConnect participants reported that they were much improved compared to 10% of usual care participants. Small to large effect sizes in PA (d = 0.03) and UPDRS (d = 0.96) ES) were reported, which warrant further exploration in an appropriately powered study. Conclusions: PDConnect is feasible and acceptable among PwP. A future large-scale trial is required to determine the effectiveness of PDConnect.