Functional impairment in patients with sporadic Inclusion Body Myositis

We conducted a retrospective chart review of 53 patients diagnosed with sporadic Inclusion Body Myositis (sIBM) who have been followed at the McMaster Neuromuscular Clinic since 1996.

We reviewed patient medical histories in order to compare our findings with similar cohorts, and analyzed quantitative strength data to determine functionality in guiding decisions related to gait assistive devices.

Patient information was acquired through retrospective clinic chart review.

Our study found knee extension strength decreased significantly as patients transitioned to using more supportive gait assistive devices (P < 0.05). A decline to below 30 Nm was particularly indicative of the need for a preliminary device (i.e. cane)(P < 0.05). Falls and fear of falling poses a significant threat to patient physical well-being. The prevalence of dysphagia increased as patients required more supportive gait devices, and finally a significant negative correlation was found between time after onset and creatine kinase (CK) levels (P < 0.01).

This study supports that knee extension strength may be a useful tool in advising patients concerning ambulatory assistance. Further investigations concerning gait assistive device use and patient history of falling would be beneficial in preventing future falls and improving long-term patient outcomes.