Feasibility and Preliminary Efficacy of an Online Home-Based Functional Exercise Program for Parkinson's Disease: A Pilot Study

Hyungwoo Lee¹Hunyoung Ha¹Heehyun Shin¹Byungjun Park¹Nyeonju Kang¹Kiwon Park¹Ryul Kim²Kyeongho Byun^1*

• ¹Incheon National University, Incheon, Republic of Korea
• ²Seoul Metropolitan Government - Seoul National University Boramae Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea

Background: Parkinson's disease (PD) leads to motor and non-motor impairments, contributing to sarcopenia and reduced functional independence. While functional strength exercises can help manage these symptoms, adherence remains challenging, particularly in home-based setting.Objective: This pilot exercise intervention study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of an 8week Online Home-Based Exercise Program (OHEP), which provides easy-to-follow functional strength exercises for PD patients, enabling them perform these exercises safely and effectively at home.Fifteen patients with early-stage PD (Hoehn and Yahr Stage 1-2) participated in in an 8-week exercise intervention, consisting of a 2-week in-person training followed by a 6-week online homebased exercise session using Zoom. The exercise regimen included softball, bodyweight, elastic band, and step box exercises targeting muscle strength, balance, and mobility. Feasibility was assessed through attrition rate, adherence rate, compliance rate, and safety. Efficacy was evaluated by examining changes in motor and non-motor symptoms, body composition, and physical performance.Results: Three participants withdrew from the study, resulting in an attrition rate of 20%. Feasibility was supported by a high adherence rate (median: 91%) and exercise compliance rates exceeding 93% across all exercise types. No adverse events reported. Among clinical outcomes, depressive symptoms significantly improved (Beck Depression Inventory, p = 0.011). Additionally, lower limb muscle function significantly improved, as reflected by a reduced time in the 5 Times Sit-to-Stand test (p = 0.002). However, no significant changes were observed in other clinical or physical performance measures.These findings suggest that a short-term OHEP is feasible and safe intervention for PD patients, with potential benefits in improving depressive symptoms and physical function. However, further randomized controlled long-term studies are needed to better delineate the effects of this intervention in the management of PD.