Lifestyle and Non-motor Symptom Management in Parkinson's Disease
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Views and priorities of lifestyle factors in the management of non-motor symptoms in Parkinson’s disease: qualitative interviews and consensus workshops with patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals.
IRAS ID
290020
Contact name
Sophie Lawrie
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Oxford Brookes University
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Parkinson’s Disease (PD) has generally been thought of as a movement disorder however other health-related symptoms, known as non-motor symptoms, are also very common. Fatigue has been reported as the most common non-motor symptom, experienced by around half of individuals with Parkinson’s. Non-motor symptoms, including fatigue, and problems with sleep and mood, can happen decades before motor symptoms and have a greater impact on quality of life and psychological wellbeing. Despite this treatment options for non-motor symptoms are limited and therefore the development and testing of new treatments is a main priority. Studies show there is great interest from researchers and individuals with Parkinson’s Disease to find out more about how lifestyle changes (such as exercise and diet) may be used to help manage symptoms. However, there is a lack of research on how lifestyle changes (including diet and physical activity) may be used to help manage Parkinson's symptoms.
This study includes two stages: telephone interviews and online consensus workshops. Patients with PD whom have experience of fatigue, partners/caregivers and Healthcare professionals will be able to participate in interviews only, workshops only or both. Both stages will take place remotely to promote participant safety from Covid-19. Only the interview audio will be recorded with your consent. The interviews will investigate patients, partners/caregivers and Healthcare Professionals views and priorities of lifestyle factors in the management of non-motor symptoms in Parkinson’s disease as well as identifying factors that influence lifestyle changes amongst PD patients. Stage 2 will involve participating in small consensus workshops to give ideas and feedback related to the design and content of the soon-to be developed lifestyle program. Results from both stages of this study will be used to help develop and design a lifestyle management program for fatigue and associated non-motor symptoms in Parkinson’s Disease.
REC name
London - Queen Square Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
21/LO/0241
Date of REC Opinion
15 Apr 2021
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion