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
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP203950
- DOI 10.13188/2373-1133.1000009
- Views 105
- Downloads 0
Is High Body Mass Index in Elderly Harmless?
A series of studies has defended higher body mass index (BMI) of the elderly as preventive, but the obesity may play an important role in the development of other diseases, such as, fasting hyperglycemia that may progres...
Prescribing Antidepressants in Depressed Nursing Homes Residents with Dementia: Is it Evidence-based?
Depression and dementia are common comorbidities among Nursing Home (NH) residents. Antidepressants are widely used in this vulnerable population. However, the evidence for anti-depressant use, including from randomized...
What Do The Junior Doctors Know About Pain Management And Opioids Use? : An Australian Study
Background: Pain continues to remain an issue in the general population even though studies have demonstrated that adequate pain management is possible with the use of opioids. This could be related to unwarranted opioph...
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...
Ageism: Discrimination that Must Disappear.
Introduction: Ageism or old age is a very old concept and refers to negative stereotypes and prejudicial attitudes toward old age and how these are reflected in psychological and social problems. Discussion: Ageism has b...