ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: There is limited literature describing the effect exercise may have on depression and an individual's health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in Parkinson's Disease (PD). We aim to quantify this effect. METHODS: A cross-sectional questionnaire was administered to 60 PD subjects. The Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire-39 (PDQ-39) summary index and the Geriatric Depression Scale-30 were used to quantify HRQoL and depression, respectively. Data were obtained on exercise habits. ANOVA and multivariate linear regression analysis were used to calculate mean differences in HRQoL. RESULTS: Depression was consistently related to HRQoL (p < 0.05). Of those who exercised as an adult before PD diagnosis, 49.02% (n = 25) reported depression as compared to 88.89% (n = 8) of those who did not report adult exercise (p = 0.03). Those who exercised frequently as an adult prior to PD diagnosis had a better PDQ-39 Cognitive Index (p = 0.03). Those who were not depressed and were currently exercising had a significantly higher HRQoL than those who were depressed and did not exercise (p < 0.01). DISCUSSION: Exercising and depression may interact to affect HRQoL. Thus, coordination of mental health evaluation and exercise regimens in persons with PD may improve HRQoL.