title: Reference equation for 6-minute walk in individuals with Parkinson disease.
abstract: Normal values, as well as determining factors, for the 6-minute walk test are available for nondisabled adults, but less is known about individuals with Parkinson disease (PD). This study created a PD-specific reference equation and identified unique factors associated with 6-minute walk distance (6MWD). Eighty individuals (mean +/- standard deviation [SD] age: 66.3 +/- 9.8 yr) with mild to moderate PD underwent a neurological examination and completed a small battery of tests to assess their balance confidence, fall risk, mobility, and balance. Their mean +/- SD 6MWD was 394.1 +/- 98.4 m (95% confidence interval: 370.0-418.1). Stepwise multiple regression analysis demonstrated that timed up-and-go (TUG) test, one-leg stance (OLS) test, and sex were significant independent contributors to 6MWD and accounted for 56.6% of the variance. The resulting PD-specific regression equation is 6MWD pred = 543.06 + (-10.83 degrees TUG) + (2.04 degrees OLS) + (-44.44 degrees sex). (For sex, 0 = female, 1 = male.) Future interpretation of 6MWD in individuals with PD may be enhanced if expressed as a percentage of the value predicted utilizing this reference equation.
authors.affiliation: Program in Physical Therapy and Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology and Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA.
authors.forename: Michael J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Falvo
authors.forename: Gammon M
authors.initials: GM
authors.lastname: Earhart
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D005080:Exercise Test; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010300:Parkinson Disease / Q000503:physiopathology*; D012016:Reference Values; D016138:Walking