The 6MWT: Validity of a Pedometer and Instruction on 15m and 30m Courses in Adults with Parkinson‘s Disease
Journal Title: Journal of Geriatrics and Palliative Care - Year 2014, Vol 2, Issue 2
Abstract
Purpose: Assess the validity of the use of a 15m course for the 6MWT in subjects with Parkinson Disease (PD) compared to non-PD controls ; also assess the use of dissimilar instructions during the 6 Minute Walk Test (6MWT) on a 15m and 30 meter course. Secondary outcomes included; the utility of pedometer use and predicted distance versus actual distances accomplished for each course for PD subjects. Methods: Volunteer subjects (N=35, 16 PD; 19 non-PD; mean age 70.2 years) participated. Data was collected on each course for using the instruction, “walk as far as you can” and “walk as fast as you can” for 6 minutes. A pedometer was worn. Predicted distance for the PD group was calculated. Results: A 2 by 8 repeated measure detected differences within subjects’ p=.017 and between groups p=.003. The 15m fast course was found to be valid for the PD group. The PD group distance and the predicted distance formula were not different on any course. The instruction was a significant factor for control group 30m, p=.014; 15m, p=.005 and for the PD group 30m p=.026. Using the pedometer, there were some significant differences on the 30 fast course when measured by group p=.009. Conclusion: Overall the PD group performed best on the 30m far course. Fast instruction is recommended for healthy older adults (either size course) and for PD subjects on the 15m course for the best possible effort. The pedometer is an accurate and valid on a 30 far and 15 meter course with PD. The predicted distance is a good indicator of functional distance for these mild to moderate PD subjects on either size course and with either set of instructions.
Authors and Affiliations
Veronica Southard
Specialty Trainees’ Understanding of End-of-Life Care Symptom Management and End-of-Life Care Pathway: A Quantitative and Qualitative Pilot Study
Introduction: Lack of knowledge of end-of-life care pathway (EOLCP) and misconceptions about opioid use are detrimental toproviding quality care to patients with life-limiting diseases. This study aims to use the mixed-m...
Dying in Nursing Homes and Long Term Care: A Mini-Review
Little is known about end-of-life conditions in Long Term Care (LTC) facilities. Comparatively, palliative care has expanded considerably into the Nursing Home (NH) setting in recent years: U. S. NH-hospice residents has...
Comparison of Unmet Care Needs across The Dementia Trajectory: Findings from The Maximizing Independence at Home Study
Introduction: The aging of the population will bring with it an increase in the number of individuals with dementia living in the community. This will result in a greater demand on family caregivers and the long term car...
Quantitative Fecal Lactoferrinas a Biomarker for Severe Clostridium difficile Infection in Hospitalized Patients
Background: The incidence and severity of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) have increased over the past decade, especially among hospitalized patients. In this study, we determined the value of published criteria fo...
ACEPAC Study - Australian Chinese patient’s Experiences of Palliative Care Services
Background: Australia is a multicultural country that consists of a diverse population. It can be difficult to provide equal healthcare services across all ethnicities due to cultural disparities. This is seen amongst Au...