Objective: The aim was to investigate the relationship between functional exercise capacity and balance in patients with idiopathic Parkinson’s disease.

Background: Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disease involving motor symptoms such as rigidity, tremor, bradykinesia, balance and gait disorders and non-motor symptoms such as fatigue, pain, and sleep disorders. These symptoms affect exercise capacity of patients negatively. Postural instability and balance disorders are frequently seen in patients.

Method: Thirty-five patients with idiopathic Parkinson’s disease were included in this study. Functional exercise capacity was assessed using the 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT). The balance performance was assessed by Berg Balance Scale (BBS) as a clinical test and by the Limits of Stability (LOS) Test and modified Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction on Balance (mCTSIB) Test using a computerized balance measuring instrument.

Results: It was found significant correlations between the 6MWT and BBS (r=0.516, p=0.001), LOS-Endpoint excursion (r=0.414, p=0.012), LOS-Maximum excursion (r=0.353, p=0.034). According to the regression analysis, it was detected that the BBS and LOS-Maximum excursion were the strongest predictor of the 6MWT and it was determined that these two variables explained 35% of the variance in the 6MWT (R²=0.35).

Conclusion: The results have shown that exercise capacity was related with balance in patients with idiopathic Parkinson’s disease. It is thought that positive changes in balance with appropriate rehabilitation methods may provide improvements in the exercise capacity of the patients.

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MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/relationship-between-functional-exercise-capacity-and-balance-in-patients-with-idiopathic-parkinsons-disease/