Performance-based tests in individuals with Parkinson's disease: Outcome scores and reliability

Abstract

Objective

To compare the outcome scores and reliability of performance-based tests (Timed “Up and Go,” 10-Meter Walk Test at comfortable and maximal speeds, and Five Times Sit-to-Stand Test) in individuals with Parkinson's disease, considering one repetition and the mean of two and three repetitions.

Design

Reliability study.

Setting

Research laboratory.

Participants

52 individuals with Parkinson's disease were included and assessed for inter-rater reliability (66.9 ± 6.2 years; 61.5% men) and 50 for test–retest reliability (67.1 ± 6.8 years; 62.5% men).

Main measures

Assessments were conducted in two sessions, seven to 14 days apart, by two independent raters. Four performance-based tests were applied. ANOVA and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) were used (α=5%).

Results

For all tests, the results were similar among the different outcome scores (0.269 ≤ F ≤ 0.046; 0.995 ≤ p ≤ 0.764), with high to very high test–retest reliability (0.73 ≤ ICC ≤ 0.96; p ≤ 0.001) and high to very high of inter-rater (0.84≤ ICC ≤ 0.96; p ≤ 0.001) reliabilities, except for Five Times Sit-to-Stand Test at one repetition, which inter-rater reliability was classified as moderate (ICC = 0.68; p ≤ 0.001).

Conclusion

For all investigated tests, only one repetition, after familiarization, was necessary to provide consistent and reliable results for mobility assessment in individuals with Parkinson's disease.