The quality of life in individuals with Parkinson's Disease: is it related to functionality and tremor severity? A cross-sectional study.

Background: Symptoms seen in Parkinson's Disease (PD) affect the quality of life (QoL) of individuals.

Objectives: This study aimed to examine the relationship of QoL with tremor severity and upper limb functionality in individuals with PD.

Methods: Parkinson's Disease Quality of Life Questionnaire (PDQ-39) was used to examine the QoL of the participants, electromyography was used to measure the tremor amplitude, Nine-Hole Peg Test (NHPT) was used to evaluate the upper limb functionality and dynamometer was used to evaluate grip and pinch strength. Resting and postural tremor amplitudes were recorded from both sides of the hand and forearm. The relationship between QoL and other parameters was tested with Spearman Correlation Analysis. Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare individuals with and without tremor.

Results: It was obtained that tremor amplitude was significantly related to: activities of daily living (rho = 0.597); emotional well-being (rho = 0.694); stigma (rho = 0.524); social support (rho = 0.595 and 0.559), and communication [rho = 0.532 (right forearm), 0.564 (left forearm), and 0.527 (right hand)] sub-parameters of PDQ-39 (p < .05). The relationship of the grip and pinch strength with the PDQ-39 sub-parameters was significant (p < .05), except for social support and communication. The relationship between NHPT and almost all parameters of PDQ-39 (p < .05), except bodily discomfort and social support, was significant.

Conclusion: It was concluded that future studies focusing on QoL could also consider tremor severity and grip strength as well as dexterity in individuals with PD.