Max Wuehr1, Roman Schniepp2, Cornelia Schlick3, Sabrina Huth3, Cauchy Pradhan3, Marianne Dieterich4, Thomas Brandt5, Klaus Jahn2. 1. University of Munich, German Center for Vertigo and Balance Disorders, Germany. Electronic address: mail@maxw.de. 2. University of Munich, German Center for Vertigo and Balance Disorders, Germany; University of Munich, Department of Neurology, Germany. 3. University of Munich, German Center for Vertigo and Balance Disorders, Germany. 4. University of Munich, German Center for Vertigo and Balance Disorders, Germany; University of Munich, Department of Neurology, Germany; University of Munich, Munich Center for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Germany. 5. University of Munich, German Center for Vertigo and Balance Disorders, Germany; University of Munich, Institute for Clinical Neurosciences, Germany.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Walking instability and a higher risk of falls are common in patients with peripheral neuropathy. However, it remains uncertain as to whether alterations in neuropathic gait are directly related to deficient sensory locomotion control or due to a slowing of walking speed. By means of a multi-speed gait assessment we determined factors related to sensory loss and walking speed that cause changes in the gait pattern of neuropathic patients. METHODS: Walking patterns of 18 neuropathic patients (70.7±2.4 years, 6 females) and 18 age- and gender-matched healthy subjects (70.4±2.4 years, 6 females) were recorded on a pressure-sensitive gait carpet for three different locomotion speeds (i.e. slow, preferred and fast) and while walking with eyes closed. Mean temporospatial gait parameters and gait variability were analyzed. The relationship between gait alterations and the history of falls in patients was evaluated. RESULTS: Alterations in the mean locomotion pattern of neuropathic patients were mainly related to reduced walking speed. However, prolonged double support times (p<0.001), widened base widths (p=0.001) and increased gait variability (p<0.001) during slow walking or with eyes closed appeared to be directly linked to peripheral sensory loss in patients. Increased gait variability was predictive for the presence of self-reported falls in the past (p=0.029). CONCLUSIONS: Sensory-loss-related prolongation of double support phases in neuropathic patients suggests a compensatory strategy to improve restabilization during locomotion. Moreover, widened base widths and increased gait variability point to an increased risk of falls. They occur primarily when patients are forced to reduce their walking speed or when visual feedback is disturbed.
BACKGROUND: Walking instability and a higher risk of falls are common in patients with peripheral neuropathy. However, it remains uncertain as to whether alterations in neuropathic gait are directly related to deficient sensory locomotion control or due to a slowing of walking speed. By means of a multi-speed gait assessment we determined factors related to sensory loss and walking speed that cause changes in the gait pattern of neuropathicpatients. METHODS: Walking patterns of 18 neuropathicpatients (70.7±2.4 years, 6 females) and 18 age- and gender-matched healthy subjects (70.4±2.4 years, 6 females) were recorded on a pressure-sensitive gait carpet for three different locomotion speeds (i.e. slow, preferred and fast) and while walking with eyes closed. Mean temporospatial gait parameters and gait variability were analyzed. The relationship between gait alterations and the history of falls in patients was evaluated. RESULTS: Alterations in the mean locomotion pattern of neuropathicpatients were mainly related to reduced walking speed. However, prolonged double support times (p<0.001), widened base widths (p=0.001) and increased gait variability (p<0.001) during slow walking or with eyes closed appeared to be directly linked to peripheral sensory loss in patients. Increased gait variability was predictive for the presence of self-reported falls in the past (p=0.029). CONCLUSIONS: Sensory-loss-related prolongation of double support phases in neuropathicpatients suggests a compensatory strategy to improve restabilization during locomotion. Moreover, widened base widths and increased gait variability point to an increased risk of falls. They occur primarily when patients are forced to reduce their walking speed or when visual feedback is disturbed.
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