A team of researchers have published a significant study titled “Trajectories and Predictors of Activity Participation Among People with Parkinson’s Disease: A 3-year Longitudinal Study” in ScienceDirect.
The study, led by Moon Young Kim, PhD, along with co-authors Yejin Lee, PhD, Carolyn M. Baum, PhD, Lisa T. Connor, PhD, Chih-Hung Chang, PhD, Linda Tickle-Degnen, PhD, and Erin R. Foster, PhD, explore the dynamic patterns of activity participation in individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD) over a three-year period. Utilizing data collected from 86 participants across four annual assessments, the research identifies key factors impacting changes in participation, particularly focusing on impairment-level and social factors.
The comprehensive study found that while overall activity participation remained steady, depressive symptoms significantly curtailed engagement in instrumental, high-demand leisure, and social activities. Conversely, robust social support from family, friends, and organizations was linked to greater involvement in social activities.