Integrating GPS and Accelerometry to Capture Life-Space Mobility in Parkinson’s Disease

Mobility is key to independent living, and life-space mobility (LSM) describes the extent to which a person moves within and beyond their home. Restricted LSM may limit participation in life. Parkinson's disease (PD) can influence LSM through changes in physical function and social engagement. This study investigated LSM in people with mild-to-moderate PD using self-reported and objective measures, examining agreement between measures and relationships with physical activity and quality of life. The participants completed the Life-Space Assessment (LSA) and wore an accelerometer and GPS monitor for seven days. The accelerometer and GPS data were processed to derive GPS life-space and physical activity variables. The participants (n = 11) demonstrated variability in GPS-derived measures of LSM despite high levels of self-reported LSM (median 82). The participants spent approximately two thirds of wear time in close proximity to the home, where most activity time was sedentary. Higher levels of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and step counts were observed beyond the home. Self-reported health-related quality of life showed weak associations with LSM. These findings suggest that while the LSA captures overall mobility, GPS data provides complementary insight into location-specific activity and individual movement patterns.