Quality of Life and Motivations for Physical Activity in Individuals With Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease (PD) impacts multiple life domains, with motor and non-motor symptoms affecting Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQOL). Understanding quality of life and motivation for physical activity is essential for targeted rehabilitation. Objective: To assess quality of life in PD patients using the PDQ-39 and explore motivational factors for physical activity via the PALMS questionnaire, examining relationships with demographic variables, disease stage, and activity patterns. Methods: A cross-sectional study included 40 adults with PD in Cluj-Napoca, Romania, completing PDQ-39 and PALMS questionnaires. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent t-tests, and Pearson’s correlations. Results: The mean PDQ-39 Summary Index was 38.51±19.82, indicating moderate impairment. Bodily discomfort, mobility, emotional well-being, and activities of daily living were the most affected domains. Significant differences between Hoehn and Yahr stages II and III were found in multiple domains and the PDQ-39 Summary Index. Longer disease duration (≥10 years) was linked to poorer cognition, communication, bodily discomfort, and overall quality of life. PALMS results showed highest motivation in physical condition and mastery, lowest in competition. Strong correlations existed between PDQ-39 Summary Index and all domains (r = .711–.832, p < .01), and moderate correlation with disease duration (r = .414, p < .01). Conclusions: PD patients exhibited moderate quality of life impairments influenced by motor symptoms, emotional well-being, and discomfort. Physical activity motivation centered on fitness and mastery rather than competition. Disease progression significantly affects quality of life, underscoring the need for personalized physiotherapy and long-term rehabilitation. Article history: Received 2025 November 06.; Revised 2025 December 20; Accepted 2026 January 05;Available online 2026 January 30; Available print 2026 January 30