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. 2021 Feb 4;16(2):e0245285.
doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0245285. eCollection 2021.

Triggers and alleviating factors for fatigue in Parkinson's disease

Iris Lin  1 , Briana Edison  1 , Sneha Mantri  2 , Steven Albert  3 , Margaret Daeschler  4 , Catherine Kopil  5 , Connie Marras  6 , Lana M Chahine  1
Affiliations

Triggers and alleviating factors for fatigue in Parkinson's disease

Iris Lin et al. PLoS One. .

Abstract

Background: Fatigue is common in Parkinson's Disease, but few effective treatments are available for it. Exploring triggers and alleviating factors, including effects of exercise, could inform development of management strategies for Parkinson's Disease fatigue.

Objectives: To examine triggers and alleviating factors for fatigue reported by individuals with Parkinson's Disease, including perceived effect of exercise.

Methods: A sample of individuals with self-reported Parkinson's Disease participating in the study Fox Insight were administered an online survey. The survey included the Parkinson's Fatigue Scale, the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly, and multiple-choice questions about triggers and alleviating factors for fatigue.

Results: Among the sample of 1,029 individuals with Parkinson's disease, mean (standard deviation (SD)) age was 67.4 (9.3) years, 44.0% were female. Parkinson's Fatigue Scale score ranged from 16-80, mean (SD) 48.8 (16.2). Poor sleep (62.1%) and physical exertion (45.1%) were frequently reported triggers for fatigue. Coping strategies including sitting quietly (58.1%), laying down with or without napping, and exercise (20%). Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly scores were higher in those who reported that exercise alleviated their fatigue (49.7%) compared to those who reported it worsened their fatigue (18.9%) (mean (SD) score 158.5 (88.8) vs 119.8 (66.6) respectively; p<0.001).

Conclusions: Several behavioral and environmental triggers and alleviating strategies for fatigue are reported by individuals with Parkinson's disease. Many feel that exercise alleviates fatigue, though the relationship between exercise and fatigue in Parkinson's Disease appears complex. This exploratory study may inform future development of treatments or coping strategies for Parkinson's disease fatigue.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have read the journal’s policy and have the following competing interests: The Michael J Fox Foundation (MJFF), which sponsored this study, is funded by ACADIA Pharmaceuticals, Adamas Pharmaceuticals, Intec Pharma, Lundbeck Inc., and Sunovion Pharmaceutical. Author SM receives research support from MJFF, from the Parkinson Foundation (PF), and from Cerevel Therapeutics, was a paid consultant to MJFF, is a study site investigator for a study sponsored by Neuraly Rho, is a study site sub-investigator for a study sponsored by Biogen, and received consulting fees from Deep Brain Innovations, LLC. Author CM receives research support from MJFF, from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, from PF, and from the International Parkinsons and Movement Disorder Society, and is a site investigator for a research study supported by Theravance Biopharma. Author LMC receives research support from MJFF, receives research support from the UPMC Competitive Medical Research Fund, is study site investigator for a study sponsored by Biogen, receives research support from the National Institutes of Health, receives royalties from Elsevier (for authorship), and receives royalties from Wolters Kluwel (for authorship). Authors CK and MD are or were previously employed by the MJFF. This does not alter our adherence to PLOS ONE policies on sharing data and materials. There are no patents, products in development or marketed products associated with this research to declare.

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