Comparison between two functional mobility scales for Parkinson's disease directly applied to physical therapy practice: cross-cultural adaptation and measurement properties.

BACKGROUND

The Modified Parkinson Activity Scale (PASm) and Lindop Parkinson's Disease Mobility Assessment (LPA) scales were developed to assess the functional mobility in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) being directly applied to physical therapy practice.

AIM: To translate and perform the cross-cultural adaptation of PASm and LPA scales to Portuguese-Brazil, and to analyze some psychometric properties.

DESIGN

Cross-cultural validation study.

SETTING

Clinical environment.

POPULATION: Thirty-two Brazilian subjects with Parkinson's disease.

METHODS

The study consisted of two stages: 1) cross-cultural adaptation process; 2) evaluation of psychometric properties.

RESULTS

Considering the total score, the interrater and test-retest reliabilities showed a coefficient of intra-class correlation that ranged between 0.97 and 0.98. Both scales showed excellent internal consistency (α=0.83 and 0.94). Positive correlations were obtained between the Brazilian versions of the LPA and PASm and PAS (ρ=0.63 and 0.92). The concurrent validity between scales and part III of UPDRS, established a moderate negative correlation, (ρ=-0.54 and -0.65). The one way ANOVA showed that LPA-Brazil discriminates the individual with PD between all stages according HY, and the PASm- Brazil between mild and severe stages, and moderate and severe. The MDC of scales ranging from 1 to 2 points. There was Ceiling effect only for the LPA-Brazil.

CONCLUSIONS

Brazilian versions of PASm and LPA are valid and reliable instruments to assess the functional mobility in patients with PD, being directly applied to physical therapy clinical practice.

CLINICAL REHABILITATION IMPACT: The major goal of physical therapy in PD is to maintain functional mobility and independence of the patient. The results of study are relevant and could improve the physical therapy practice in Brazil, since it provides the Brazilian version of two mobility scales (one of them recommended by the European Guidelines for Physical Therapy Practice in patients with Parkinson disease).