The Relationship Between Upper Extremity Function and Balance and Functional Mobility in Parkinson's Disease

Primary outcomes

1. The Nine-Hole Peg Test

   Time frame: Assessment will be conducted immediately after enrollment.

   The Nine-Hole Peg Test (9-HPT) will be used to assess upper extremity functions. The 9-HPT evaluates hand dexterity based on performance. The test consists of nine pegs and nine holes (peg length: 32 mm, peg diameter: 7 mm, hole diameter: 7.5 mm, hole depth: 13 mm). In the test, the participant is asked to pick up the pegs one by one and place them into the holes as quickly as possible, and once all the pegs are placed, they are asked to collect them again without delay. The test begins with the command "start" and the test duration is recorded in seconds using a stopwatch. It is performed separately for both the right and left hands. The 9-HPT has been determined to be valid and reliable in individuals with Parkinson's Disease.

2. The Berg Balance Scale

   Time frame: Assessment will be conducted immediately after enrollment.

   The balance assessment will be conducted using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS). The BBS measures the ability to maintain balance during different positions, postural changes, and movements. It is widely used in Parkinson's Disease (PD) and is a highly reliable and valid scale. The scale consists of 14 tests, each rated on a 4-point scale. The highest score is 56; a score of 0-20 indicates balance impairment (high risk of falling), 21-40 suggests acceptable balance (moderate risk of falling), and 41-56 indicates good balance (low risk of falling). Lower scores point to a loss of static or dynamic balance during daily activities, indicating the presence of a higher risk of falls and functional limitations.

3. The Timed Up and Go Test

   Time frame: Assessment will be conducted immediately after enrollment.

   Functional mobility will be assessed using the Timed Up and Go Test (TUG). During the test, the individual is asked to rise from a chair, walk 3 meters, turn to the right or left, and then walk back to the chair at a brisk pace without running, and sit down again. The test begins with the command "go" and the time is recorded using a stopwatch. In our study, the TUG will be performed three times, and the best score will be used for analysis. The TUG has been found to be valid and reliable in individuals with Parkinson's Disease (PD).

4. The timed 360° turn test

   Time frame: Assessment will be conducted immediately after enrollment.

   The timed 360° turn test is an easily administered, not time-consuming, and specific measurement tool to assess turning ability. It measures the time taken for an individual to 360° turn around in a standing position. The timed 360° turn test is also correlated with balance and functional mobility.

5. Functional Reach Test

   Time frame: Assessment will be conducted immediately after enrollment.

   The Functional Reach Test assesses balance by measuring the limits while the patient reaches forwards as far as possible, having the arms in 90° flexion and without lifting the heels off the floor.