Evidence for the Link Between Non-Motor Symptoms, Kinematic Gait Parameters, and Physical Function in People with Parkinson’s Disease
2025
Eren Timurtas | Ahmed-Abou Sharkh | Kedar K. V. Mate | Helen Dawes | Nancy E. Mayo
Background: Parkinson’s disease (PD) affects both motor and non-motor functions, but their interactions are understudied. This study aims to explore the relationships between non-motor and motor effects of PD, focusing on depression, fatigue, gait parameters, concentration, and physical function. Methods: This is a secondary analysis of baseline data from a randomized feasibility study using a commercially available Heel2Toe™ sensor, providing auditory feedback for gait quality. The sample included PD patients with gait impairments who walked without aids. Non-motor measures were depression, fatigue, and concentration, while motor measures included gait quality (angular velocity and variability during heel strike, push-off, foot swing) and physical function (6MWT, Mini-BESTest, Neuro-QoL). Path analysis was used to assess direct and indirect effects. Results: Among 27 participants, fatigue impacted heel strike, which affected Neuro-QoL. Mood influenced push-off and Neuro-QoL, with a direct link to 6MWT. Foot swing affected Mini-BESTest and Neuro-QoL directly. Conclusions: Non-motor PD effects directly influenced specific gait parameters and physical function indicators, highlighting potential digital biomarkers of fatigue and mood for targeted interventions.
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