Article

The objective of this study was to describe the functional profiles of patients
with Parkinson's disease (PD), and the relationships between impairment in body
functions, limitations in activities, and environmental factors, using the World
Health Organization's International Classification of Functioning, Disability,
and Health (ICF). Patients were consecutively enrolled, and the ICF checklist was
administered. Two count-based indices were developed: 'extension', containing ICF
categories rated with qualifiers 1-4 and 'severity', containing ICF categories
rated with qualifiers 3-4. Categories rated with qualifiers 1-4 in at least 50%
of patients are described separately. Spearman's correlation analysis was carried
out to identify the relationships between impairments in body functions (BF) and
body structures, activities and participation, and environmental factors (EF);
linear regressions were performed to identify the best predictors of performance
indices in activities and participation. A total of 96 patients were enrolled; 34
categories rated with qualifiers 1-4 in at least 50% of patients are reported,
and most of them describe impairment in movement-related functions and
limitations in mobility and self-care. Performance indices are significantly
lower than capacity and significant relationships with both BF impairments and EF
are observed. High difficulties in activities and participation performance are
connected with both presence of severe BF symptoms and relevant barriers in EF.
Both BF and EF play a relevant role in improving functioning of the patients with
PD. The connection between EF barriers and severe problems in activities and
participation performance suggests the need of fostering participation of
patients with PD by promoting facilitators among EFs. Methodologies and tools are
needed to couple information on symptoms, on the difficulties in executing
activities, and on environmental features.

Langue : ANGLAIS