Perceived walking difficulties in Parkinson's disease - predictors and changes over time.

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Movement Disorders
• Gerontology

Background:

• Parkinson's disease (PD) significantly impacts patients' quality of life, often through difficulties with walking.
• Predictive factors for perceived walking difficulties in PD are not well understood, hindering intervention design.
• Understanding these factors is crucial for developing targeted strategies to improve mobility and independence in PD patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the 3-year progression of perceived walking difficulties in individuals with Parkinson's disease.
• To identify key predictive factors influencing perceived walking difficulties over this period.

Main Methods:

• 148 individuals with PD completed the Generic Walk-12 (Walk-12G) questionnaire at baseline and after 3 years.
• Paired samples t-test analyzed changes in Walk-12G scores.
• Multivariable linear regression identified predictors of perceived walking difficulties and their changes.

Main Results:

• Perceived walking difficulties significantly increased over 3 years (mean Walk-12G score from 14.8 to 18.7, p < 0.001).
• Concerns about falling were the strongest predictor of perceived walking difficulties (β=0.445).
• Balance problems during dual tasking and pain also predicted difficulties, while cognitive functioning influenced changes in difficulties.

Conclusions:

• Perceived walking difficulties in Parkinson's disease progress over time.
• Factors such as fear of falling, balance while dual-tasking, pain, and cognitive function are significant predictors.
• Interventions targeting these motor and non-motor symptoms may help mitigate worsening walking difficulties in PD.