Objective: This study aimed to clarify the relationship between the 10-Meter Walk Test (10-MWT) and balance performance in PD.

Background: Patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) suffer from impaired balance and decreased postural control. The gait speed is often used in estimates functional mobility, balance and risk of falls.

Methods: Individuals with idiopathic PD were assessed with 10-MWT, a performance measure used to assess walking speed in meters per second over a short distance; and the Mini-Balance Evaluation Systems Test (Mini-BESTest) to evaluate dynamic balance.

Results: 48 volunteers (Hoehn & Yahr- HY1= 13; HY2=12; HY3=15; HY4=8) mean age 63 ± 12 years took part in the study. Average gait speed for the group was 1.17 m/s ± 0.3; and balance score was 20.36 ± 6.6 (Mini-BESTest – highest possible score = 28). The gait speed mean value of PD patients clinically diagnosed at HY stage 1 and 2 was 1.32 m/s ± 0.2 and at HY stage 3 and 4 was 0.95 m/s ± 0.4; and balance score was 23.07 ± 3.4 and 16.36 ± 6.7 respectively. Correlations were found between 10-MWT and Mini-BESTest total score (rho = 0.73; p < 0.001), as well with each Mini-BESTest subcomponents: anticipatory postural adjustments (rho = 0.71; p < 0.001), postural responses (rho = 0.49; p < 0.001), sensory orientation (rho = 0.44; p < 0.002), and dynamic gait (rho = 0.69; p < 0.001).

Conclusions: Based on these findings, it can be suggested, that PD patients’ dynamic balance can be easily assessed by the 10-MWT to predict their risk of falling. This may facilitate clinical practice in the rehabilitation of patients with PD.

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MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/relationship-of-10-meter-walk-test-to-balance-performance-in-parkinsons-disease-patients-as-a-predictor-of-falls/