The study aimed at describing the effects of the COVID-19 social distancing on function, health and well-being of patients with Parkinson's disease or post-stroke, and test the association between the patient activation level and these effects.An anonymous survey was distributed through social media and patient associations.Community-living patients with Parkinson's disease or post-stroke were invited to answer the survey.

People with chronic diseases like Parkinson's disease or post-stroke rely on routine medical and rehabilitative care to maintain daily function and health. These are important aspects of self-management. However, this was challenged by the social distancing due to COVID-19, which limited participation in regular routines.

The study objectives were: To (1) describe the effects of the COVID-19 social distancing on function, health and well-being of patients with Parkinson's disease or post-stroke, and (2) test the association between the patient activation level and these effects.

Community-living patients with Parkinson's disease or post-stroke were invited to answer an anonymous survey through social media and patient associations. Part 1 included 27 multiple-choice questions regarding current status and changes in function, health, medical care and well-being. Part 2 consisted of the Patient Activation Measure, describing people's knowledge, skill, and confidence in managing their own health.

Inclusion Criteria:

• People diagnosed with Parkinson's disease or their caregivers, or people post-stroke or their caregivers
• Live in the community
• If a family member or caregiver completed the survey, we asked them to answer in reference to the patient.

Exclusion Criteria:

• diagnosis of COVID-19
• hospitalization in the last 3 months.

Patients with PD or their caregivers, or patients post-stroke or their caregivers