The Two Minute Walk Test Overground and on a Self-Paced Treadmill Detects Dual Task Deficits in Individuals With Parkinson's Disease

J Aging Phys Act. 2019 Dec 1;27(4):843-847. doi: 10.1123/japa.2018-0264.

Abstract

The aim of this project was to 1) evaluate the potential of the Two Minute Walk Test (2MWT) to detect declines in gait velocity under dual task conditions, and 2) compare gait velocity overground and on a self-paced treadmill in Parkinson's disease (PD). Twenty-three individuals with PD completed the 2MWT under single and dual task (serial 7s) conditions overground and on a self-paced treadmill. There was a significant decrease in gait velocity from single to dual task conditions overground (1.32±.22 m/sec to 1.10±.25 m/sec, p <.001) and on the self-paced treadmill (1.24±.21 m/sec to 1.05±.25 m/sec, p <.001). Overground and treadmill velocities were not statistically different from each other; however, differences approached or exceeded the minimal clinical important difference. The 2MWT coupled with a cognitive task provides an effective model of identifying dual task declines in individuals with PD. Further studies comparing overground and self-paced treadmill velocity is warranted in PD.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02538029.

Keywords: Parkinson’s disease; dual task; gait; self-paced treadmill.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Cognition
  • Exercise Test* / methods
  • Exercise Test* / psychology
  • Exercise Therapy / methods*
  • Exercise Therapy / psychology
  • Feasibility Studies
  • Female
  • Gait Analysis / methods
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Outcome Assessment, Health Care
  • Parkinson Disease* / diagnosis
  • Parkinson Disease* / physiopathology
  • Parkinson Disease* / psychology
  • Postural Balance
  • Task Performance and Analysis
  • Walk Test* / methods
  • Walk Test* / psychology

Associated data

  • ClinicalTrials.gov/NCT02538029