Characterization and Validation of the Short Physical Performance Battery in Individuals Diagnosed With Parkinson's Disease

Reliability of the SPPB assessed through repeated administration after a minimum interval of one week using the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC).

Evaluation of lower-extremity physical performance through balance, gait speed, and chair-rise tasks. Total score ranges from 0 to 12, with higher scores indicating better physical performance.

Internal consistency of the three SPPB components assessed using Cronbach's alpha coefficient.

Correlation of SPPB scores with established functional assessment measures (TUG, BBS, and MDS-UPDRS Part III).

An individual case report form developed to collect the following information for each participant: age, sex, time since Parkinson's disease diagnosis (date of diagnosis), Hoehn and Yahr stage, comorbidities, Parkinson's disease-specific pharmacological treatment (oral or parenteral), disease-specific interventions such as deep brain stimulation, and physiotherapy treatment

The MDS-UPDRS is a validated clinical rating scale widely used to assess the severity and progression of Parkinson's disease (PD) over time. It provides a comprehensive evaluation of both motor and non-motor symptoms and is considered the standard outcome measure for monitoring disease status in clinical and research settings.

The scale consists of four parts: Part I assesses non-motor experiences of daily living, including cognitive impairment, psychiatric symptoms, sleep disturbances, autonomic symptoms, pain, and fatigue; Part II evaluates motor experiences of daily living through patient-reported difficulties in speech, swallowing, handwriting, mobility, tremor, and activities of daily living; Part III is a clinician-administered motor examination assessing rigidity, bradykinesia, gait, posture, balance, and tremor, performed in relation to antiparkinsonian medication status (ON/OFF); and Part IV evaluates motor complications, including dyskinesias, motor fluctuations, and painful

The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) is a 7-item self-report instrument that assesses physical activity performed during the previous 7 days. It is commonly used to evaluate physical activity levels in research settings. Based on responses, participants are classified into three categories of physical activity: low, moderate, or high.

The Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) is a widely used cognitive screening tool designed to assess global cognitive function and detect cognitive impairment or dementia. It is commonly used in both clinical practice and research to monitor cognitive status over time. The MMSE evaluates five cognitive domains: orientation to time and place, immediate memory registration, attention and calculation, language, and visuospatial construction. Total scores range from 0 to 30, with higher scores indicating better cognitive performance. Cognitive impairment is typically classified as normal (24-30), mild (19-23), moderate (10-18), or severe (0-9). Interpretation of results should consider the participant's educational level, as years of formal education may influence performance

Upper-limb muscle strength will be assessed using a Saehan SH5001 hydraulic hand dynamometer (Saehan Corporation). Participants will perform the test in either a standing or seated position, with the elbow extended and slightly away from the trunk. Three measurements will be obtained for each hand, and the mean value will be calculated and recorded in kilograms (kg).

The Nine-Hole Peg Test (9HPT) is a standardized and widely used measure of finger dexterity and upper extremity function. It assesses fine motor coordination by requiring participants to place nine pegs into nine holes on a pegboard and then remove them as quickly as possible, using one hand at a time. During the assessment, participants are seated at a table with the testing apparatus positioned in front of them. The task is performed separately with each hand, typically beginning with the non-dominant hand. The examiner records the time required to complete the task in seconds. Performance is based on completion time, with shorter times indicating greater manual dexterity and better fine motor function.

The Berg Balance Scale (BBS) is a validated clinical measure of balance performance, functional mobility, and fall risk in individuals with Parkinson's disease. The scale consists of 14 functional tasks that assess balance during sitting, standing, reaching, turning, transfers, and changes in position. Each item is scored on a 5-point scale ranging from 0 (unable to perform) to 4 (performs independently), with a total score ranging from 0 to 56. Higher scores indicate better balance and greater functional independence. Total scores are commonly interpreted as follows: 0-20, high risk of falls and severe dependency; 21-40, moderate risk of falls and moderate dependency; and 41-56, low risk of falls and greater independence. The BBS is widely used in clinical and research settings to evaluate balance impairments and monitor functional outcomes over time.

The Timed Up and Go (TUG) test is a validated measure of functional mobility and fall risk in individuals with Parkinson's disease. Participants are instructed to stand up from a chair with armrests, walk 3 meters, turn around, walk back to the chair, and sit down. Performance is assessed by recording the time (seconds) required to complete the task. Shorter completion times indicate better functional mobility, while longer times are associated with a greater risk of falls.