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Higher perceived stress and exacerbated motor symptoms in Parkinson's disease during the COVID-19 lockdown in New Zealand.
- Source :
-
The New Zealand medical journal [N Z Med J] 2021 Jul 09; Vol. 134 (1538), pp. 44-51. Date of Electronic Publication: 2021 Jul 09. - Publication Year :
- 2021
-
Abstract
- Aims: Stress plays a key role in Parkinson's disease (PD) by acting on the dopaminergic system and worsening patients' motor function. The impact of New Zealand's strict lockdown measures to contain COVID-19 on perceived stress and PD motor symptoms remains unknown. Here we examined the relationship between perceived levels of stress, changes in physical activity levels and PD motor symptoms during lockdown.<br />Methods: During lockdown, 134 participants with PD and 49 controls completed a survey assessing perceived stress, self-reported changes in PD motor symptoms and physical activity duration and intensity prior to and during lockdown.<br />Results: Perceived stress was higher in PD than controls, and in those reporting a worsening of tremor, balance/gait, dyskinesia and bradykinesia compared to those indicating no change during the COVID-19 lockdown. These effects were not modulated by physical activity.<br />Conclusions: Reducing stressors may be an important adjunct treatment strategy to improve motor function in PD.<br />Competing Interests: Nil.
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 1175-8716
- Volume :
- 134
- Issue :
- 1538
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- The New Zealand medical journal
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 34239144