456P Gait analysis by IMU sensor in myotonic dystrophy type 1.

Gait impairment is a common feature of myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) leading to a 10x higher risk of falls than in healthy subjects (HS). Gait analysis of DM1 patients shows alterations of different spatial-temporal gait parameters. IMU-based gait analysis can be a cost-effective and easy-to-use alternative method. The aim of this study was to compare gait parameters registered through an IMU sensor in DM1 patients versus HS and to investigate the association between gait parameters and clinical, genetic and instrumental features in patients with DM1. 19 DM1 patients and 19 age-, sex- and height-matched HS were enrolled. All subjects performed a 6MWT wearing a lower back-mounted IMU sensor (BTS G-Walk). For DM1 patients, MIRS score, average number of CTG expansion, disease duration, hand grip test, 9-hole peg test and 6MWT were collected. We found a significant reduction in step length and gait symmetry in DM1 patients, associated with reduction in gait speed and 6MWT distance. MIRS 4 patients showed a marked reduction in all the spatial-temporal parameters and a significant difference in pelvis tilt compared with HS. The only difference between MIRS 3 patients and HS was a significant increase of cadence. MIRS score showed a moderate-to-strong negative correlation with all gait parameters while hand grip test showed a strong positive correlation with gait symmetry. Single-IMU gait analysis helps to elucidate gait features in DM1 and could be useful to identify patients with more severe walking impairment and guide treatment and rehabilitation strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]