Correlation between gait parameters and clinical scales in individuals with Parkinson’s disease

ABSTRACT The ability to walk independently is essential for the quality of life of individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD), and aspects such as mobility, balance, and cognition are important for walking. However, the association between these factors has not yet been fully established. Objective: To verify the correlations between cognitive and motor clinical scales, and gait intervals in individuals with PD. Methods: Twenty-two individuals with a clinical diagnosis of idiopathic PD were evaluated using balance and cognitive tests to classify the severity of the disease and gait analysis in the laboratory. Results: The Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale, motor part (UPDRS-III) was directly related to step width in the OFF state of medication (p=0.029); the Mini-Test of Balance Assessment System (Mini-BESTest) was inversely proportional to step width in medication ON (p=0.001) and OFF (p=0.005) states; Stroop-III was directly proportional to the stride time (p=0.039) and the stance (p=0.003) and double stance (p=0.011) phases and inversely proportional to the cadence (p=0.033) and swing phase (p=0.003), both in the ON state of medication; the Trail Making Test Part A (TMTB-A) was inversely proportional to step size (p=0.035), stride size (p=0.037), cadence (p=0.036) and speed (p=0.003) in the ON state. Conclusion: Cognitive dysfunctions are directly related to gait instability in PD, reinforcing the importance of interventions that integrate motor and cognitive rehabilitation. These strategies can improve gait safety and efficacy in individuals with PD.