Objective: The aim of this study was to verify whether there is a correlation between UPDRS motor score and non-specific assessments for PD commonly used in physical therapy clinical practice.

Background: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a common chronic, progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by both motor and nonmotor symptoms. Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale – UPDRS (section III) is the most used instrument for measuring the progression of motor symptoms and physical disability caused by the disease.

Method: Individuals with idiopathic PD were assessed with UPDRS (section III); 10–Meter Walk Test (10-MWT), a performance measure used to assess walking speed in meters per second over a short distance; the Mini-Balance Evaluation Systems Test (Mini-BESTest) to evaluate dynamic balance, and the Human Activity Profile (HAP), which grades the level of physical activity.

Results: Forty-eight participants took part of the study (mean age 63 ± 12 years; 59% men; disease duration mean 6,73 ± 5 years, Hoehn & Yahr- HY1= 13; HY2=12; HY3=15; HY4=8). Significant correlations were found between UPDRS motor section and 10-MWT (r=0,44; p=0,002), Mini-BESTest (r=0,47; p=0,001) and HAP (r=0,56; p<0,001).

Conclusion: These results suggested that generic scales can also be used to measure motor impairment in individuals with PD. Within the context of functional motor tests, it is important that assessments are sensitive in detecting functional changes at all stages of the disease.

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MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/correlation-of-functional-motor-assessments-used-at-parkinsons-disease-by-physiotherapists-in-clinical-practice/