Reliability of the Non-Instrumented Walk Test in persons with Parkinson's disease

Purpose: To study the reliability of a Non-Instrumented Walk Test in individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD). Method: Thirty individuals (21 Males) with PD were studied. Their mean age was 68.90±9.28 years. The average time since diagnosis was 8.75±5.68 years. The reliability of the manual Non-Instrumented Walk Test was studied while "OFF" and "ON" dopaminergic medication. Subjects walked at their self-selected, usual speed during a Non-Instrumented Walk Test and while walking on a computerized instrumented walkway. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were calculated and means were compared for three gait parameters as measured by the two methods. Results: During "OFF" medication testing, ICCs between the Non-Instrumented Walk Test and the instrumented measures for gait speed, cadence and stride length were 0.96 (p < 0.0005), 0.72 (p = 0.001) and 0.97 (p < 0.0005), respectively. During "ON" medication testing, the ICCs were 0.96 (p < 0.0005), 0.86 (p < 0.0005) and 0.96 (p < 0.0005), respectively. The means of the non-instrumented measures tended to be lower than those obtained on the instrumented walkway. Conclusions: The Non-Instrumented Walk Test is a quick, simple and inexpensive gait evaluation for individuals with PD. The method is sufficiently reliable to be used clinically in this population during different medication cycles. Implications for Rehabilitation The Non-Instrumented Walk Test in individuals with PD is reliable. Results supported the use of the measure. This simple walk test is quick and easy to administer in both clinical and community settings.