Article

The short-term benefits of exercise for persons with Parkinson disease
(PD) are well established, but long-term adherence is limited. The aim of this
study was to explore the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary evidence of
the effectiveness of a virtual exercise coach to promote daily walking in
community-dwelling persons with Parkinson disease. DESIGN: Twenty subjects with
Parkinson disease participated in this phase 1, single-group, nonrandomized
clinical trial. The subjects were instructed to interact with the virtual
exercise coach for 5 mins, wear a pedometer, and walk daily for 1 mo. Retention
rate, satisfaction, and interaction history were assessed at 1 mo. Six-minute
walk and gait speed were assessed at baseline and after the intervention.
RESULTS: Fifty-five percent of the participants were women, and the mean age was
65.6 yrs. At the study completion, there was 100% retention rate. The subjects
had a mean satisfaction score of 5.6/7 (with 7 indicating maximal satisfaction)
with the virtual exercise coach. Interaction history revealed that the
participants logged in for a mean (SD) of 25.4 (7) days of the recommended 30
days. The mean adherence to daily walking was 85%. Both gait speed and the 6-min
walk test significantly improved (P < 0.05). No adverse events were reported.
CONCLUSIONS: Sedentary persons with Parkinson disease successfully used a
computer and interacted with a virtual exercise coach. Retention, satisfaction,
and adherence to daily walking were high for 1 mo, and significant improvements
were seen in mobility.

Langue : ANGLAIS