Overview
This interventional study aims to assess self-sufficiency in patients with Parkinson's disease in the spa setting using the new Czech Functional Efficiency of Self-sufficiency Test (FEST) and to validate the test in this population. It also aims to evaluate changes in cognition, stability, fear of falling, and gait after specialized spa care and to analyze correlations between self-sufficiency and these outcomes.
Description
The research includes the validation of a Czech self-sufficiency test designed primarily for patients after a stroke. The aim is to validate this tool in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). The research will also include the possible modification of certain categories that are characteristic of PD patients, as well as the scoring of the test. The study will include patients undergoing comprehensive spa treatment at a Czech spa facility. The inclusion criteria are: 1/idiopathic PD, 2/disease severity 1-3 according to the Hoehn and Yahr scale, 3/age 50-80 years, 4/ability to walk independently, 5/minimum score ≤76 in Adenbrooke's Cognitive Examination. Exclusion criteria: 1/moderate to severe dementia, 2/other comorbidities affecting the gait (e.g. post-stroke condition, vertigo,...), 3/psychiatric disorders, 4/severe sensory impairments that would limit the implementation of the rehabilitation plan. The research will also evaluate changes in selected parameters, namely: cognition, stability, gait, and fear of falling. The research will also examine whether there is a correlation between self-sufficiency and these factors. Patients will be tested upon admission to care, then undergo a 3-week rehabilitation program, followed by a follow-up measurement.
Standardized tests were selected for research purposes:
Self-sufficiency: Barthel Index, FEST Fear of falling: Short Falls Efficacy Scale - International Stability: Mini-Balance Evaluation Systems Test, measurement on a stabilometric platform Cognition: Adenbrooke's Cognitive Examination (ACE-III) Gait: 6-minute walk test Descriptive statistics and correlation will be used for data processing.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- Idiopathic PD,
- severity level 1 - 3 according to the Hoehn and Yahr scale,
- age 50-80 years,
- the ability to walk independently,
- a minimum score of ≤76 on the Adenbrooke's Cognitive Test.
Exclusion Criteria:
- moderate to severe dementia,
- other comorbidities affecting the gait (e.g. post-stroke condition, vertigo,...), psychiatric disorders,
- severe sensory impairments that would limit the implementation of the rehabilitation plan.
