Minimal clinically important difference and substantial clinical benefits for single- and dual-task timed up and go test following motor-cognitive training in Parkinson’s disease

Abstract

Objective To establish substantial clinical benefits (SCB) and minimal clinically important differences (MCIDs) for both the single-task and dual-task timed up and go (TUG) tests in people with Parkinson’s disease (PwPD). Design Prospective pre–post intervention study evaluating the effects of combined motor–cognitive training. Setting Rehabilitation centers. Participants One hundred fifteen PwPD, with a mean age of 61.33 ± 13.01 years. Interventions Dual-task motor-cognitive training. Main outcome measures Time taken to complete the single-task and dual-task TUG tests, recorded both before and after the intervention. MCIDs were calculated using the anchor-based and distribution-based methods. SCB was assessed using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Results The anchor-based MCIDs for the single-task and dual-task TUG tests ranged from −0.71 to −1.27, and − 0.82 to −1.81, respectively. The distribution-based MCIDs for the single-task and dual-task TUG tests ranged from −1.07 to −1.14, and − 1.65 to −1.98, respectively. The SCB for both the single-task and dual-task TUG tests was determined to be less than −2.04. Conclusion This investigation provides critical insights into interpreting changes in functional mobility in PwPD, facilitating informed clinical interventions and enhancing research planning initiatives.