Gait analysis and evaluation of fall risk in patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders

Abstract

Objective To investigate the time?distance parameters of gait, balance function and mobility performance in patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSDs) compared with healthy subjects, so as to evaluate the fall risk in NMOSDs patients.  Methods Twelve patients with NMOSDs and 9 healthy subjects with matched age and sex were enrolled in this study. The time-distance parameters of gait (including cadence, stride duration, stride length, gait velocity, symmetry of phases) were assessed using RehaWatch Gait Analysis System. The fall risk was evaluated by Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Timed Up and Go Test (TUGT), Chair Rising Test (CRT) and Tandem Gait Test (TGT).  Results Compared with control group, patients in NMOSDs group had slower cadence (t = - 5.354, P = 0.000), prolonged stride duration (t = 4.045, P = 0.005), lower stride length (t = -7.243, P = 0.000), slower gait velocity (t = - 10.161, P = 0.000), decreased symmetry of stance phase (t = - 2.220, P = 0.050) and symmetry of single support phase (t = - 2.359, P = 0.020), spent more seconds in performing TUGT (t = 3.197, P = 0.024) and finished fewer numbers of steps on TGT (Z = - 1.544, P = 0.049). In BBS, items related to static balance (including nonsupported stand and sit) got higher scores than items related to dynamic balance (including picking up something on the floor when standing).  Conclusions NMOSDs patients had abnormal  ime-distance parameters in gait cycle, decreased balance function, especially dynamic balance, and higher fall risk. They can be improved by enhancing muscle force of lower limb and balance function.

DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1672-6731.2018.01.011