Falls, Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1
Conditions
Keywords
dynamic balance, falls, fall frequency, fear of falling, muscle strenght, neuromuscular disease, postural control, gait, balance impairment, rehabilitation
Brief summary
This cross-sectional observational study aims to determine the frequency of falls in patients with myotonic dystrophy type 1 and to identify factors affecting dynamic balance. The study will also evaluate fear of falling, selected lower extremity muscle strength, and the relationship between muscle strength and fall frequency. The findings may contribute to a better understanding of fall risk and balance impairment in patients with myotonic dystrophy type 1.
Detailed description
Myotonic dystrophy type 1 is a multisystem neuromuscular disorder characterized by myotonia, progressive muscle weakness, and functional limitations. Distal muscle weakness, impaired postural control, and gait dysfunction may increase the risk of falls and negatively affect daily activities and quality of life. Although falls and balance impairment are clinically important in patients with myotonic dystrophy type 1, data on fall frequency and factors affecting dynamic balance remain limited. This single-center, hospital-based, cross-sectional observational study will be conducted in patients with myotonic dystrophy type 1 who are followed at the Neuromuscular Diseases Center of Antalya Training and Research Hospital. The study aims to determine fall frequency and to investigate factors affecting dynamic balance. Fear of falling, lower extremity muscle strength, and dynamic balance performance will be assessed, and the relationship between muscle strength and fall frequency will be examined. The results are expected to improve the understanding of fall-related impairments in myotonic dystrophy type 1 and support more comprehensive clinical assessment and rehabilitation planning.
Interventions
None listed
Sponsors
Antalya Training and Research Hospital
Study design
Observational model
COHORT
Time perspective
CROSS_SECTIONAL
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 60 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* Adults aged between 18 and 60 years old * Diagnosis of myotonic dystrophy type 1 * Ability to understand and follow study instructions * Ability to ambulate, with or without an assistive device, sufficiently to perform the study assessments * Willingness to participate and provide written informed consent
Exclusion criteria
* Severe cognitive impairment interfering with understanding or completion of the study assessments * Severe visual impairment interfering with balance and mobility testing * Severe sensory impairment, including markedly impaired vibration sensation, that may affect balance assessment * Any additional neurological, musculoskeletal, vestibular, or other medical condition that could substantially affect gait, balance, or fall risk independently of myotonic dystrophy type 1 * Acute medical condition or unstable clinical status at the time of assessment * Inability to complete the study evaluations
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Fall frequency | At baseline | Fall frequency will be assessed using semi-structured questions regarding the number of falls experienced by patients with myotonic dystrophy type 1. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Fear of falling | At baseline | Fear of falling will be assessed using semi-structured questions regarding the fear of falling experienced by patients with myotonic dystrophy type 1. |
| Muscular Impairment Rating Scale score | At baseline | Disease-related muscle involvement severity will be assessed using the Muscular Impairment Rating Scale (MIRS). |
| Dynamic balance performance by Timed Up and Go test | At baseline | Dynamic balance performance will be assessed using the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test. |
| Walking performance by 10-Meter Walk Test at maximum safe speed | At baseline | Walking performance and dynamic mobility will be assessed using the 10-Meter Walk Test at maximum safe speed. |
| Isometric muscle strength | At baseline | Isometric muscle strength of selected muscle groups will be measured to evaluate the relationship between muscle strength and fall frequency. |
| Hand grip strength | At baseline | Hand grip strength will be measured using a hand grip strength assessment. |
| Balance performance by Berg Balance Scale | At baseline | Balance performance will be evaluated using the Berg Balance Scale. |
| Functional Ambulation Scale score | At baseline | Ambulation level will be recorded using the Functional Ambulation Scale (FAS). |
Countries
Turkey (Türkiye)
Contacts
STUDY_CHAIRHanife Hale Hekim, MD
Antalya Training and Research Hospital
Outcome results
None listed