Category: Technology
Objective: To identify sex-specific differences in observer-independent gait parameters in parkinsonian disorders.
Background: Reduced mobility and gait impairment impact the quality of life and increase the burden of disease in parkinsonian disorders. Previous studies have shown that gait and balance symptoms are more prominent in atypical parkinsonism (APD), including MSA and PSP, and gait velocity as well as reduced stride length were associated with an increased risk to fall. However, the knowledge on sex differences in sensor-supported gait analysis in APDs is limited.
Method: Patients with PD, MSA and PSP were enrolled in the multi-centre, international Mobility_APP study (NCT04608604). Motor (MDS-UPDRS) and balance assessments [Berg-Balance Scale (BBS), MDS-UPDRS Postural Instability and Gait Difficulty (PIGD) subscore] as well as previous falls were recorded for each patient. A two-minute walk test at self-preferred speed was recorded with sensor-based gait analysis. Parameters such as gait velocity, stride length, stride time, stance time and maximal sensor lift were extracted.
Results: 36 female (18 PD, 12 MSA, 6 PSP) and 48 male patients (23 PD, 11 MSA, 14 PSP) were included. 35.4% of male and only 13.9% of female patients reported previous falls (p=0.03). Overall, there were no differences in disease severity (MDS-UPDRS III, MDS-UPDRS Total) and balance (PIGD, BBS) between male and female patients. Mean gait parameters did not differ between the two sexes, however the variability of stride length (female 5.3%, male 7.8%; p=0.015) and gait velocity (female 7.5%, male 9.7%; p=0.024) was higher in male patients and correlated with reported previous falls (stride length: r=0.45, p<0.01; gait velocity: r=0.44, p<0.01).
Conclusion: While mean gait parameters did not show any differences between the female and male sex, the variability of stride length and gait velocity did. Furthermore, not only more male patients reported previous falls, but also showed a significant higher variability in stride length and gait velocity. Therefore, falls are associated with a higher variability in gait parameters, which might be an indicator for a higher risk of falling. Nevertheless, further research is needed to confirm.
To cite this abstract in AMA style:
F. Jagusch, V. Sidoroff, G. Prigent, H. Moradi, S. Sapienza, JP. Ndayisaba, F. Krismer, H. Humer, P. Bachmann, K. Seppi, I. Teckenburg, M. Asalian, D. Benninger, BM. Eskofier, J. Winkler, J. Klucken, H. Gassner, A. Ionescu, K. Aminian, C. Raccagni, GK. Wenning. Sex differences of gait at self-determined speed in neurodegenerative parkinsonism [abstract]. Mov Disord. 2024; 39 (suppl 1). https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/sex-differences-of-gait-at-self-determined-speed-in-neurodegenerative-parkinsonism/. Accessed October 7, 2024.« Back to 2024 International Congress
MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/sex-differences-of-gait-at-self-determined-speed-in-neurodegenerative-parkinsonism/