Wearable Activity Monitors to Support Physical Activity Interventions in Neurodegenerative Disease: A Feasibility Study

Publication Date

6-15-2023

Document Type

Article

Publication Title

Neurodegenerative Disease Management

Volume

13

Issue

3

DOI

10.2217/nmt-2022-0028

First Page

177

Last Page

189

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate the feasibility of using activity monitors in a physical activity (PA) intervention in people with Parkinson’s (PD) and Huntington’s disease (HD). Materials & methods: People with early-stage PD (n = 13) and HD (n = 14) enrolled in a 4-month coaching program, wore a Fitbit, and were guided through a behavioral intervention to facilitate PA uptake. Wear time, wear habits and activity metrics (e.g., steps) were analyzed. Results: Retention rate was 85% and participants had an average 92.3% (±9.2) valid wear days. Daily wear time was 18.4 (±4.5) h. Day & night Fitbit wearers showed improvements in steps (d = 1.02) and MET×min/week (d = 0.69) compared with day-only wearers. Conclusion: Implementing wearables in a coaching intervention was feasible and provided insights into PA behavior.

Keywords

coaching, digital health, exercise, Huntington's disease, occupational therapy, Parkinson's disease, physical therapy, wearable sensors

Department

Occupational Therapy

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