Relationship between Motor Estimation Error and Physical Function in Patients with Parkinson’s Disease

Abstract

Background: Motor estimation error is an index of how accurately one’s body movement is recognized. This study determines whether motor estimation error distance is a Parkinson’s disease (PD)- or age-related disability using a two-step task. Methods: The participants were 19 PD patients and 58 elderly people with disabilities. A two-step prediction test and an actual two-step test were performed. The motor estimation error distance (prediction of two-step distance minus actual two-step distance) and error rate between the two groups were compared. We conducted a correlation analysis between the motor estimation error and clinical factor (e.g., Hoehn and Yahr stage (H & Y), Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS)) related to PD. Results: The motor estimation error distance was not significantly different between the PD patient group and the elderly group with disabilities. However, significant correlations between motor estimation error and H & Y, and between motor estimation error and UPDRS part II, were observed. The error rate was significantly correlated with the Fall Efficacy Scale. Conclusions: The motor estimation error distance is influenced by both aging and PD.

Longitudinal Changes in Motor Estimation Error and Motor Function in Patients with Parkinson’s Disease: A Case Report

“…The assessments were measured at baseline and after 6 months. The assessment items consisted of TST [ 13 , 14 , 15 ], imagined two-step test (iTST) [ 13 , 14 ], PD-related assessments, and motor estimation error-related questionnaires. PD-related assessments included UPDRS [ 16 ], and Freezing of Gait Questionnaire (FOGQ) [ 17 ], while the motor estimation error-related questionnaires were the Fall Efficacy Scale (FES) [ 18 ], Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) [ 19 ], and presence or absence of falls.…”

“…PD-related assessments included UPDRS [ 16 ], and Freezing of Gait Questionnaire (FOGQ) [ 17 ], while the motor estimation error-related questionnaires were the Fall Efficacy Scale (FES) [ 18 ], Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) [ 19 ], and presence or absence of falls. First, iTST was conducted, followed by TST ( Figure 1 a,b) [ 13 , 14 ]. The patients performed the iTST using a laser pointer to indicate the imagined maximum two-step distance ( Figure 1 a), which the physical therapist then recorded.…”

“…The iTST distance was only measured once after the physical therapist explained the method and confirmed that the patient understood it. This is because the imagined distance is influenced by the repetition of the test [ 11 , 13 , 14 ]. After performing the iTST, the patients took a maximum of two steps forward from the line of a measure delineated by the physical therapist to measure the TST distance.…”

“…Motor estimation error is related to motor function in patients with PD, as well as in older people [ 4 , 13 , 14 ]. Kawasaki et al [ 13 ] investigated motor estimation error using a two-step test (TST) in patients with PD and healthy older people.…”

“…Additionally, the patients with PD who overestimated their motor function had significantly higher scores on the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) part Ⅱ and Ⅲ (ability of activities of daily living [ADL] and motor function were lower). In another study of persons with PD investigating the correlation between motor estimation error (based on the TST) and motor function, motor estimation error showed significant correlations with UPDRS part II and Hoehn and Yahr (H and Y) stage [ 14 ].…”