Backward Tandem Walk Test with Fear of Fall, Balance and Functional Mobility in Parkinsonism: A Correlational Study

Abstract

Aim:The study was done to assess the backward disequilibrium as a tool. There is no component assessing for backward disequilibrium in frequent assessing the balance test. So, the present study is to find out the association between BTWT and other balance and functional mobility tools.

Introduction: Distinguishing between a clinically significant change and change due to measurement error can be difficult. Backward walking is an intervention that may be valuable for enhancing balance and self-efficacy to improve mobility function. The postural and motor control requirements of Backward Walking Training (BWT) may provide benefits to improve balance and walking speed in this population. The study was done to determine the association between Backward disequilibrium, fear of fall, balance and functional mobility in Parkinsonism.

Methods: This was a retrospective study which was conducted on a total 50 Parkinsonism patients (both males and females) were taken. Subjects were selected based on the following inclusion and exclusion criteria. Subjects were included based on the following criteria. a)All subjects between the age of 65-85 years b)Patient who were able to understand and follow verbal commands c) Walk independently without assistive device for at least 6 meters d)The MMSE score more than or equal to 24/30.Subjects who are Unstable or limiting cardiac disease (e.g. History of myocardial infarction, coronary artery bypass or other cardiac surgery) within the previous 1 year, Any Respiratory conditions requiring oxygen supplementation or frequent use of inhaler , History of any of the following disease (Severely disabling arthritis, joint instability, back pain, abdominal surgery within the previous 1 year, lower limb joint replacements, documented dementia or significant clinical depression and diabetes) & Any Acute illness or injury on the day of assessment.After checking for eligibility criteria, Inform consent was obtained. To familiarize the subject appropriate instructions and a trial session of testing procedure was given. On the day of data collection, patients were verbally reoriented instructed again and testing procedure were carried out without shoes. The subjects were tested on the Lateral Step Test, FSST, Time Up Go, Backward Tandem Walk Test in randomized order with rest as per the patient required and three trial were taken

Result: The positive correlation were found of BTWT with mobility measures i.e. TUG and FSST (r=0.61, 0.57 and p= 0.01) and fairly correlating with balance measures i.e. rLST and lLST (r= 0.39, 0.31 and p=0.05) respectively

Conclusion: BTWT is being used to asses BD and has been found to be moderately correlating with mobility measures