Wearable activity monitors to support physical activity interventions in neurodegenerative disease: a feasibility study

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: Huntington's disease; Parkinson's disease; coaching; digital health; exercise; occupational therapy; physical therapy; wearable sensors.