Physical performance and DEXA-derived body composition in physically active adults with Parkinson’s disease compared with community-dwelling older adults: a cross-sectional study

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Abstract Introduction. Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder strongly associated with the ageing process that directly affects mobility and functionality. Although regular exercise is widely accepted as a key factor in attenuating functional decline, there is limited evidence integrating functional performance and body composition via double-energy X-ray absorption (DEXA) in physically active Parkinson’s disease (PD) volunteers within Latin American contexts. Methods. A cross-sectional observational study was conducted. Physically active volunteers with PD and community-dwelling older adults were evaluated. Physical performance was assessed via clinical tests, including gait speed, hand grip strength, the chair-to-stand test, the single-leg balance test (SLBT), and functional performance. Body composition and bone mineral density (BMD) were evaluated via DEXA. The propensity score was used to match subjects from each group on the basis of body mass index (BMI) and sex. Descriptive statistics, Spearman’s correlations and multiple linear regression models were used to analyse the data. Results. Adults with PD showed significantly lower physical performance than community-dwelling older adults did, with gait speed being the variable showing the greatest difference between groups. PD status was the main negative predictor of gait speed, whereas muscle strength and functional endurance were positively associated. Lean mass evaluated via DEXA was not independently associated with gait speed. Conclusions. Even in physically active adults, PD status is associated with a relevant functional decrease.

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