Descriptive study of occupational performance of subjects with Parkinson’s disease: the use of ICF as a tool for the classification of activity and participation

Abstract

The International Classification of Functionality, Disability, and Health (ICF) which appears as a tool to classify and identify factors that, in addition to the state of health, interfere with the functionality of the subject performing activities. In this cross-sectional study we assess the occupational performance of 46 subjects diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease (PD) through the application of the Canadian Occupational Performance Measurement (COPM) and its classification in the areas of ICF. The activities most effected are, Social, Civic, and Community Life (32.6%), Mobility (26.1%), Personal Care (27.1%), Family Life (10.9%), and Learning and Application of Knowledge (8.7%). Information has also been gathered about gender, marital status, type of residence, need for assistance, the Hoehn & Yahr Scale, rigidity profile, postural stability, age and length of illness. This data was not statistically significant (p <0.05). However, in the correlation between variables studied, the fact that only the rigidity variable showed an average correlation of r-0, 452 (p <0.01) was obtained through the non-parametric Spearman correlation test, with the five areas classified in the ICF. The importance of promoting and maintaining Community, Social, and Civic Life for subjects with PD and rigidity as an important component of their complaints in relation to occupational performance. The Health Model proposed by the ICF, along with the application of the COPM, were effective, allowing for correlation when the activity is the focus of evaluation, between functions and structures of the body and environmental and personal factors, with the difficulties of performance in carrying out activities.