Prediction of falls and/or near falls by using tandem gait performance in people with mild Parkinson’s disease

• Objective: To investigate whether tandem gait test (TG) can predict future falls and/or near falls in people with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Background: People with PD have balance problems and an increased risk for falls. Although TG has been considered a predictor of falls, no PD-study has controlled results for demographic and disease-specific characteristics or included near falls when investigating falls prospectively. Methods: The study included 141 participants with PD (mean age and PD-duration, 68 and 4 years, respectively). Those >80 years of age, requiring support in standing or did not understand the instructions were excluded. TG includes taking 10 consecutive tandem steps along a straight line without walking aids and support, with eyes open. Performance was scored as follows: no side steps=0; one or more side steps=1; unable to take 4 consecutive steps=2. If TG was abnormal ("1 side steps) during the first attempt, a second trial was allowed and the best performance was registered. Anti-Parkinsonian medications were recorded from medical records. All assessments were conducted in the “on” condition. Participants thereafter registered all falls and near falls by using a diary for six months. Results: Mean score for UPDRS III was 14 (SD 8.0). The median (q1-q3) daily total levodopa equivalent (LDE) dose (mg) was 400 (286-600). Sixty-three participants (45%) experienced ≥1 fall and/or near fall. The median (q1-q3) TG score was 2 (1-2) for those that experienced falls and/or near falls and 0 (0-1) for those without any incidents. Logistic regression (controlling for age, gender, UPDRS III and daily LDE dose) showed that TG score 2 (OR, 5.40; 95% CI, 1.75-16.70; P=0.003) predicted falls and/or near falls. TG score 1 was not significant (OR, 2.24; 95% CI, 0.84-5.98; P=0.109). This model correctly classified 39/63 (62%) of individuals with falls and/or near falls and 64/78 (82%) of individuals without any incidence, and accounted for 32% of the variability between groups. Conclusions: The results suggest that TG may be able to predict a future fall and/or near fall in people with mild PD. Further studies using larger samples are needed for firmer conclusions and establishment of additional properties in relation to other assessments.

Subject headings

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Neurologi (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Neurology (hsv//eng)

Publication and Content Type

vet (subject category)

kon (subject category)