What Happened with Muscle Force, Dynamic Stability And Falls? A 10-Year Longitudinal Follow-Up in Adults with Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Individuals with myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) are known to stumble and fall, but knowledge is scarce regarding dynamic stability in this disorder.

Objective

To describe disease progress regarding muscle force, dynamic stability and patient reported unintentional falls during a ten-year period, in individuals with DM1.

Methods

Quantification of isometric muscle force in four leg muscle groups and assessment of Timed 10-meter-walk in maximum speed (T10max), Timed Up&Go (TUG) and Step test (STEP) were performed at three occasions in a DM1 cohort, together with self-reported falls.

Results

Thirty-four people (m/f:11/23, age: 50.2 + /-9.4) participated. The muscle force loss after ten years was large in the distal ankle muscles. A steeper force decrease was seen in most muscles between year five and ten compared to the former five-year period. Males reported more falls than females, 91% vs 35% had fallen last year. A positive correlation, ρ= 0.633, p < 0.001, was shown between walking time (T10max) and number of falls. Frequent fallers were only seen among those with slower walk (T10max > 10seconds), and fewer steps in the STEP test (STEP≤5 steps).

Conclusions

A diminishing leg muscle strength and worse dynamic stability were seen in the group, with a steeper decrease in the latter five years. Weak ankle dorsiflexors, a slower walk and difficulties to lift the forefoot were related to frequent falls.

SUBMITTER: Hammaren E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8673550 | biostudies-literature |

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature