RESUMO
INTRODUCTION: Elderly individuals with neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson's disease (PD), may experience difficulties when performing functional tasks. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the handgrip strength, pulling force, and ground reaction forces (GRF) of individuals with and without PD when boarding a bus while performing both simple (ST) and dual tasks (DT). METHOD: This case-control study addressed 31 individuals with PD (GPD) and 30 healthy individuals (GHI). Assessments were performed in ST and DT situations using a bus model (prototype). Handgrip strength and pulling force were measured in both upper limbs using a dynamometer, and GRF was measured using a force platform. The GPD's and GHI's performances were compared in both ST and DT, and the individuals were classified as fallers according to the Falls Efficacy Scale. RESULTS: In the inter-group comparison, the GPD presented significantly lower maximum force using their right hand, in handgrip strength (30.43 vs. 36.62, P = .022), and pulling force (10.77 vs 12.81, P = .037). The left hand's pulling force proved to be the most demanding for the GPD, during ST (6.35 vs. 4.76, P = .006) and DT (6.32 vs 4.74, P = .008). The GPD also took longer to perform ST (6.14 vs. 4.67, P < .001) and DT (6.08 vs. 4.81, P = .002). Additionally, the GPD was more afraid of falling compared to the GHI (34.74 vs. 24.77, P < .001). CONCLUSION: Boarding a bus is a complex task for individuals with PD because they present lower maximum strength in the upper limbs and more significant functional expenditure than their healthy counterparts.
