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Lookup NU author(s): Professor Lynn RochesterORCiD
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Freezing of gait (FOG) is difficult to measure due to its unpredictable occurrence. This study investigated: (1) whether the new freezing of gait questionnaire (NFOG-Q) is a reliable measure of freezing by comparing patients’ ratings with those of carers’ and (2) whether adding a video improved its reliability. Non-demented people with Parkinson's disease (PD) (N = 102) and their carers of similar age and cognitive status were recruited from movement disorders clinics in three countries. The NFOG-Q was administered to carers and patients independently before and after watching a video showing several examples of FOG. Patients had very high agreement between their pre- and post-video detection of FOG (Kappa = 0.91). However, this was less than in carers (Kappa = 0.79). The video had a significant influence (p = 0.01) on the rating of FOG severity (duration) but not on the estimation of its functional impact. Post-video freezing severity scores in the 69 freezers showed high agreement with carers’ scores (ICC = 0.78 [0.65;0.87]). We conclude that the NFOG-Q is a reliable tool to detect and evaluate the impact and severity of FOG. Adding a video does not add to the sensitivity and specificity of FOG detection but influences the estimation of FOG severity.
Author(s): Nieuwboer A, Rochester L, Herman T, Vandeberghe W, Ehab Emil G, Thomaes T, Giladi N
Publication type: Article
Publication status: Published
Journal: Gait & Posture
Year: 2009
Volume: 30
Issue: 4
Pages: 459-463
ISSN (print): 0966-6362
ISSN (electronic): 1879-2219
Publisher: Elsevier BV
URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.gaitpost.2009.07.108
DOI: 10.1016/j.gaitpost.2009.07.108
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