Walking function determinants in parkinson patients undergoing rehabilitation

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Physical Therapy
• Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

• Limited understanding of factors influencing walking rehabilitation in Parkinson's disease (PD).
• Assessing walking distance is crucial for evaluating rehabilitation effectiveness in PD patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• Evaluate the change in 6-minute walking distance (6MWD) after conventional rehabilitation in PD patients.
• Identify key motor disorder determinants of walking distance in PD patients undergoing rehabilitation.

Main Methods:

• Prospective observational cohort study of 55 PD patients undergoing conventional outpatient motor rehabilitation.
• Measured 6MWD at baseline and post-rehabilitation.
• Utilized Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale, Hoehn and Yahr scale, Nine Hole Peg Test, Grip and Pinch test, ROM wrist motility, and Berg Balance Scale (BBS) to assess patient status.
• Employed backward multiple regression analysis to determine predictors of 6MWD outcomes.

Main Results:

• Significant increase in 6MWD post-rehabilitation (+17.16%, p < 0.001).
• Higher 6MWD observed in PD patients with Hoehn and Yahr scale stages 1-3.
• Berg Balance Scale (BBS) score (β=0.47, p<0.001) and right Grip and Pinch strength (β=0.36, p=0.001) at admission were significant determinants of final 6MWD.
• No identified determinants for the *gain* in 6MWD.

Conclusions:

• Balance and generalized muscle strength are critical determinants for successful walking rehabilitation in Parkinson's disease.
• Maintaining high levels of balance and muscle strength is essential for PD patients.
• Suggests tailoring more intensive rehabilitation strategies for PD patients with lower baseline balance and muscle strength.