Effect of Exercise and Rehabilitation Therapy on Risk of Hospitalization in Parkinson's Disease.

Abstract

BackgroundExercise and physical therapy (PT) can improve motor function and quality of life in individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD), but their role in hospitalization avoidance is not well-studied.ObjectivesTo determine the longitudinal and temporal association of exercise and PT use with hospital encounter.MethodsLongitudinal regression and χ2 analyses were performed on Parkinson's Foundation Parkinson's Outcome Project exercise and PT use data from 4674 and 9259 persons with PD, respectively.ResultsGreater exercise duration and intensity were associated with reduced odds of hospital encounter, whereas both PT and occupational therapy use were associated with increased odds. In the 2 years before a hospital encounter, there was an increased frequency of PT use, but not reductions in exercise.ConclusionsConsistent exercise may reduce hospitalization risk whereas PT referral may identify at-risk individuals without preventing this outcome. Further work to incentivize consistent exercise in PD may reduce healthcare use.