January 2012
Winward
C, Sackley C, Meek C, Izadi H, Barker K, Wade D, Dawes H
Background: Fatigue
is one of the most disabling non-motor symptoms for people with
Parkinson's disease. Exercise may modify fatigue. This study examines
prescribed exercise effects on physical activity levels, well-being, and
fatigue in Parkinson's disease.
Methods: In
this single-blinded trial, participants were randomly assigned to
either a 12 week community exercise program or control group. Primary
outcome measures were fatigue (Fatigue Severity Scale) and physical
activity.
Results: Thirty-nine
people with Parkinson's disease were included: 20 in exercise and 19 in
control. Sixty-five percent of the study group were fatigued (n = 24,
mean 4.02, SD 1.48). Increased fatigue was associated with lower
mobility and activity (P < .05). Individuals participated in
a mean of 15 (SD 10) exercise sessions with no significant change in
fatigue, mobility, well-being, or physical activity after exercise (P ≥ .05).
Conclusion: Participation in weekly exercise did not improve fatigue in people with Parkinson's Disease.
