Article

Freezing of gait (FOG) is difficult to measure due to its unpredictable
occurrence. This study investigated: (1) whether the new freezing of gait
questionnaire (NFOG-Q) is a reliable measure of freezing by comparing patients'
ratings with those of carers' and (2) whether adding a video improved its
reliability. Non-demented people with Parkinson's disease (PD) (N=102) and their
carers of similar age and cognitive status were recruited from movement disorders
clinics in three countries. The NFOG-Q was administered to carers and patients
independently before and after watching a video showing several examples of FOG.
Patients had very high agreement between their pre- and post-video detection of
FOG (Kappa=0.91). However, this was less than in carers (Kappa=0.79). The video
had a significant influence (p=0.01) on the rating of FOG severity (duration) but
not on the estimation of its functional impact. Post-video freezing severity
scores in the 69 freezers showed high agreement with carers' scores (ICC=0.78
[0.65;0.87]). We conclude that the NFOG-Q is a reliable tool to detect and
evaluate the impact and severity of FOG. Adding a video does not add to the
sensitivity and specificity of FOG detection but influences the estimation of FOG
severity.

Langue : ANGLAIS