The body of evidence in the physical therapy and rehabilitation literature supports that physical activity is associated with improvements in quality of life for Parkinson's Disease (PD) patients. However, few studies have examined the underlying variables that may account for this relationship in PD patients. Researchers have examined stages of readiness to exercise in PD patients and barriers to exercise and found a strong association between self-efficacy and exercise in PD patients, rather than disability .
Researchers suggest that social cognitive theory (SCT) constructs are important correlates of physical activity for PD patients and should be targeted in interventions. A more comprehensive study of SCT correlates - Self-Efficacy (SE), Outcome Expectations (OE), and Self-Regulation (SR) should provide a better understanding of the factors that contribute to physical activity participation and the physical activity / health-related quality of life relationship in PD patients.
