Affiliations: [a] Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA | [b] Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA | [c] Atlanta Veterans Affairs Rehabilitation R&D Center of Excellence for Visual and Neurocognitive Rehabilitation, Atlanta, GA, USA | [d] Department of Medicine, Division of General Medicine and Geriatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
Correspondence:
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Address for correspondence: Madeleine E. Hackney, Ph.D., Division of General Medicine and Geriatrics, Research Health Scientist, Rehab R&D Center (151R), Atlanta VA Medical Center, 1670 Clairmont Rd. (12C145), Decatur, GA 30033, USA.
Tel.: +1 404 321 6111 x 5006; Mobile: +1 314 412 4852; E-mails: mehackn@emory.edu, madeleine.hackney@gmail.com
Abstract: Background:In Parkinson's disease (PD), motor and cognitive impairments interact to affect functional performance adversely. A valid mobility test, the Four Square Step Test (FSST) involves multidirectional stepping over obstacles. FSST performance may also be associated with cognitive performance. Objectives:This study determined the feasibility and reliability of an obstacle-based FSST in older individuals with versus without PD, and evaluated the association of PD performance of FSST with tests of cognition. Methods:Thirty-one individuals with mild-moderate PD, evaluated while ON medications, completed the obstacle-based FSST, other mobility and cognitive measures. FSST performance was compared between a PD participant sub-set (n = 24) and 24 age-matched older adults. Data were analyzed with independent t-tests, correlations, and linear regression. Results:Obstacle-based FSST was feasible and reliable within sessions in those with PD. Median best FSST time among individuals with PD was 11.72 s (9.99, 13.98) and FSST had concurrent validity with tests of mobility, and cognitive dual-tasking. Among cognitive tests, Trails Making Test B, which evaluates executive function, emerged as a sole contributor (49%) of variance. FSST performance did not differ between those with PD and older adults. Conclusion:The obstacle-based FSST is feasible and reliable in those with PD. The relationship between cognitive status and performance on the FSST did not appear to be strongly disease-stage dependent. Using FSST in the clinic may help assess the health status of a motor-cognitive interaction in individuals with PD.
