Research Reports (Original Article)
Factors Related to Life Space in Community Dwelling Elderly Patients with Parkinson’s Disease
2019 Volume 46 Issue 5 Pages 351-359
Details
2019 Volume 46 Issue 5 Pages 351-359
Purpose: The present study aimed to clarify the factors influencing the life space of community dwelling elderly patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD).
Methods: The study included 45 community dwelling elderly patients with mild-to-moderate idiopathic PD. The following assessments were performed: life-space assessment (LSA), Movement Disorder Society-Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS) motor scores, fall prevention self-efficacy (FPSE) score, 10-m walking time, and Timed Up & Go test. MDS-UPDRS motor scores involve sub-scores for rigidity (MDS-UPDRS part III item 3), tremor (items 15–18), bradykinesia (items 2, 4–8, and 14), and axial symptoms (items 1 and 9–13). Spearman rank correlations were calculated between LSA and the other variables described above. After adjusting for age, sex, and disease duration, hierarchical multiple regression analysis was performed to clarify the independent relationship of LSA with the other variables.
Results: FPSE score (β = 0.39, p < 0.01) and axial symptoms (β = –0.54, p < 0.01) were significantly associated with LSA (adjusted R2 = 0.66).
Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that FPSE and axial symptoms influence LSA in community dwelling elderly patients with mild-to-moderate idiopathic PD. Therefore, physical therapy for axial symptoms is necessary to support physical activity in patients with PD. Additionally, psychological support can maintain self-efficacy that corresponds to motor capacity.
