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Isometric and Eccentric Force Generation Assessment of Skeletal Muscles Isolated from Murine Models of Muscular Dystrophies
Published on: January 31, 2013
Falls and stumbles in myotonic dystrophy.
C M Wiles1, M E Busse, C M Sampson
1Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, UK. wiles@cardiff.ac.uk
Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry
|October 4, 2005
Summary
Patients with myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) experience approximately ten times more falls and stumbles than healthy individuals. This highlights the need for routine fall assessments and interventions in DM1 patients.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Movement Disorders
- Gerontology
Background:
- Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is a progressive multisystem disorder.
- Falls are a significant concern in individuals with neuromuscular conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare fall incidence and identify risk factors in DM1 patients versus healthy controls.
- To assess mobility, balance, and activity levels in DM1 patients.
Main Methods:
- 13 DM1 patients and 12 healthy volunteers underwent mobility, balance, and gait assessments.
- Lower limb strength, gait speed, and 7-day activity were monitored.
- Weekly fall and stumble logs were maintained.
Main Results:
- DM1 patients had 127 stumbles and 34 falls over 13 weeks, compared to 26 stumbles and 3 falls in controls.
- DM1 patients experienced significantly more falls per 5000 steps (0.21 vs 0.02).
- Falls in DM1 were associated with lower mobility scores, slower gait, and higher depression.
Conclusions:
- DM1 patients are at a substantially higher risk of falls and stumbles.
- Routine screening for falls in DM1 patients is recommended.
- Multidisciplinary interventions to mitigate fall risk in DM1 are warranted.
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