PHYSICAL ACTIVITY PATTERNS AMONG MIDDLE-AGED MALES WITH STAGE III PARKINSON’S DISEASE

Abstract

Background: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that significantly impacts motor and non-motor functions, leading to reduced mobility and quality of life. Among its various consequences, physical inactivity is a major concern, especially in the mid to advanced stages of the disease. As the disease progresses, physical activity levels decline, contributing to further functional deterioration. Assessing physical activity in PD is critical to designing targeted interventions that help maintain independence and delay disability.

Objective: To determine the level of physical activity among middle-aged male patients diagnosed with stage III Parkinson’s disease using a standardized physical activity assessment tool.

Methods: A descriptive case series was carried out over six months involving 36 male participants aged 45–69 years with confirmed stage III PD. The sample size was calculated using the WHO sample size calculator, based on a prevalence rate of 0.015, 4% margin of error, and 95% confidence interval. Participants were recruited through non-probability convenience sampling from General and Shalimar Hospitals, Lahore. Physical activity was assessed through a single face-to-face interview using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), a validated tool with a reliability coefficient of 0.8912. Activity levels were categorized into low (0–600 METs), moderate (600–3000 METs), and high (>3000 METs). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 21.

Results: Of the 36 participants, 5 (13.9%) fell in the low physical activity category, 22 (61.1%) demonstrated moderate activity, and 9 (25%) exhibited high physical activity. The mean age was 61 ± 6.81 years. Among those with a disease chronicity of 5–10 years (88.9%), moderate activity was most prevalent, while those with over 10 years of disease duration demonstrated lower physical activity levels.

Conclusion: Most middle-aged male patients with stage III Parkinson’s disease maintained moderate levels of physical activity. However, disease chronicity was inversely related to activity level, emphasizing the need for early and sustained physical activity interventions.