The effect on physical performance and quality of life of parkinson disease

ABSTRACT Objective: The purpose of this study was to measure physical performance and quality of life in idiopathic Parkinson Disease (PD) and to determine the effects of stage, gender and "on - off' variability on the physical performance. Subjects and Metods: Fourty - eight patients, without communication and walking problems and classified according to Hoehn and Yahr as stages 2 and 3, were inculuded in this study. All of the patients were assessed after administration of the drug during the "on" phase and before administration of the drug during the "off1 phase. The physical performance tests consisted of the flexibility, timed performance, balance and muscle strength testing. The SF-36 was used to asses quality of life Results: It was observed that the spinal mobility, timed performance, balance control and muscle strength of the lower extremity decrease significantly when compared with the disease severity (p<0.05). The loss of mobility of the extremities in the male patients was more than the female patients whereas the timed performance and the muscle strength were lower in the female patients than male patients (p<0.05). The spinal mobility, timed performance, balance control and muscle strength decreased significantly during "off' phases according to the "on - off' variability in the physical performance measurement (p<0.05). It was determined that, the lowest scores on the quality of life measurement were in the physical function and general health perceptions subscales (p<0.05).On the other hand physical performance tests correlated significantly with physical function, physical rol limitations and general health perceptions scores. Conclusions: Determination of factors influencing performance is important in order to plan the appropriate treatment program in Parkinson patients and improving overall quality of life. Key words: Parkinson's Disease, physical performance, quality of life,