Article

The Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) is a widely applied index of
disease severity. Our objective was to assess the utility of UPDRS for predicting
peak aerobic capacity (VO2 peak) and ambulatory function. Participants (n = 70)
underwent evaluation for UPDRS (Total and Motor ratings), VO2 peak, 6-minute walk
distance (6MW), and 30-foot self-selected walking speed (SSWS). Using regression,
we determined the extent to which the Total and Motor UPDRS scores predicted each
functional capacity measure after adjusting for age and sex. We also tested
whether adding the Hoehn and Yahr scale (H-Y) to the model changed predictive
power of the UPDRS. Adjusted for age and sex, both the Total UPDRS and Motor
UPDRS subscale failed to predict VO2 peak. The Total UPDRS did weakly predict 6MW
and SSWS (both p < 0.05), but the Motor UPDRS subscale did not predict these
ambulatory function tests. After adding H-Y to the model,
Total UPDRS was no
longer an independent predictor of 6MW but remained a predictor of SSWS. We
conclude that Total and Motor UPDRS rating scales do not predict VO2 peak, but
that a weak relationship exists between Total UPDRS and measures of ambulatory
function.

Langue : ANGLAIS