Fall Frequency and Factors Affecting Dynamic Balance in Patients With Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1

N/AActive Not RecruitingNCT07493525

Antalya Training and Research Hospital41 enrolled

Overview

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.

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.

Study Type

OBSERVATIONAL

Enrollment

Conditions

Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1 Falls

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 18 YearsMax age: 60 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

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

Locations (1)

Antalya Training and Research Hospital

Antalya, Antalya, Turkey (Türkiye)

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Fall frequency

Fall frequency will be assessed using semi-structured questions regarding the number of falls experienced by patients with myotonic dystrophy type 1.

Time frame: At baseline

Secondary Outcomes

Fear of falling

Fear of falling will be assessed using semi-structured questions regarding the fear of falling experienced by patients with myotonic dystrophy type 1.

Time frame: At baseline

Muscular Impairment Rating Scale score

Disease-related muscle involvement severity will be assessed using the Muscular Impairment Rating Scale (MIRS).

Time frame: At baseline

Dynamic balance performance by Timed Up and Go test

Dynamic balance performance will be assessed using the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test.

Time frame: At baseline

Walking performance by 10-Meter Walk Test at maximum safe speed

Walking performance and dynamic mobility will be assessed using the 10-Meter Walk Test at maximum safe speed.

Time frame: At baseline

Isometric muscle strength

Isometric muscle strength of selected muscle groups will be measured to evaluate the relationship between muscle strength and fall frequency.

Time frame: At baseline

Hand grip strength

Hand grip strength will be measured using a hand grip strength assessment.

Time frame: At baseline

Data from ClinicalTrials.gov

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