Abstract
Gait disorders are associated with increased fall risk, dementia and loss of autonomy. Gait analysis has previously been validated in the identification of motor phenotypes in mild cognitive impairment [1] . We hypothesized that gait analysis under dual-task conditions in elderly patients with gait disorders might allow the identification of motor phenotypes linked to specific brain abnormalities. An observational study was instructed for elderly patients with gait disorders or memory impairment. Gait analysis under dual-task conditions was carried out for all patients (Locometrix ® ). Two main gait variables were measured: stride frequency, and stride regularity. For each gait variable, the dual task cost, which is related to cognitive reserve (DTC (%)) was calculated as follows: [DTC % = (single-task gait value – dual task gait value)/single-task gait value × 100]. Brain MRI was carried out in the absence of contra-indications. Semi-quantitative score for white matter hyper intensities (age-related white matter changes, ARWMC) and hippocampus atrophy (Scheltens) were identified. One hundred and three patients (mean age 76.3 ± 7.2, women 56%) were included. Four clinical subgroups were identified: gait instability (45%), recurrent falls (29%), memory impairment (18%), and cautious gait (8%). The quartile analysis of DTC for stride frequency and stride regularity allowed the identification of 3 motor phenotypes (< 0.01 KW), with no link to either sex or clinical subgroups, but characterized by different Scheltens scores ( P = 0.05). Twenty-six patients with a low value of DTC for stride frequency and a high value of DTC for Stride Regularity (Scheltens 2.6 ± 1.6). Forty-seven patients with the same value of DTC for both stride frequency and regularity (Scheltens 3.3 ± 1.6). 30 patients with a high value of DTC for stride frequency and a low value of DTC for stride regularity (Scheltens 4.0 ± 1.9). The identification of different motor phenotypes in elderly patients with gait disorders can help the clinician with diagnoses and tailored cognitivo-motor gait rehabilitation.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
