Impairement of functional ability in patients with Parkinson’s disease, a qualitative study

Mabel Manoj Mathew, Suresh J.


Mabel Manoj Mathew, Suresh J. – Impairement of functional ability in patients with Parkinson’s disease, a qualitative study. Fizjoterapia Polska 2022; 22(5); 48-54

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56984/8ZG20Ak5q

Abstract

Background. Population studies on the incidence of Parkinson’s are important to scientists’ understanding of the history of the disease, its progression, and the risk factors associated with it. Information about the incidence in different age groups and genders can help healthcare experts design strategies to meet patients’ needs. Objective. To understand the subjective functional Impairment in patients with Parkinson’s disease. Methodology. It is a qualitative study with a sample size of 10, including Parkinson’s disease patients between the age group of 40 to 70 years. The interviews of the patients were conducted either through phone calls or zoom calls depending on their convenience. Results. The most mentioned complaints by the patients included in the study are, tremor, masked face, a fixed expression, difficulty in talking, slowness of movement, unsteadiness while walking, fear of fall, short-stepped gait, forward bent or stooped posture, and freezing episodes. Patients require only minimal assistance from caregivers or family members to do their daily activities (n = 4) and are majorly dependent on others for their day-to-day requirements (n = 3), completely dependent, and bedridden (n = 1). Conclusion: According to the data collected from the patients, it can be concluded that patients with Parkinson’s disease develop difficulties in their functional activities and end up with activity limitations as the disease progresses and the symptoms worsen.

Keywords:
Parkinson’s disease, quality of life, motor symptoms, activity limitations, functional ability

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