Triggers and alleviating factors for fatigue in Parkinson s disease

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.

Duke Scholars

Author Sneha Arun Mantri Neurology, Movement Disorders