Diagnostic Accuracy of the 3-Meter Backward Walk Test in Persons with Parkinson Disease

Purpose: To test diagnostic accuracy of the 3-Meter Backward Walk (3MBW) test for falls among 175 persons with Parkinson disease (PwP). Methods: Retrospective data analysis was performed on time for 3MBW test, forward walk tests (Timed Up and Go, TUG cognitive, and 10-Meter Walk), and the 5 times Sit-to-Stand test. A receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was completed to determine fall cutoff scores, and the optimal area under the curve (AUC) with sensitivity/specificity values was defined. Results: The 3MBW test at 4.2 seconds had the highest AUC (AUC = 0.699). Persons with Parkinson disease with advanced disease were slower for each test; the 3MBW was the only test that was significantly different across disease severity. Conclusion: The 3MBW test had the highest overall accuracy for retrospective falls and should be considered as part of battery of tests among persons with Parkinson disease.