Article

The aim of this study was to investigate the alteration of the gait pattern in 25
children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, using body-worn inertial sensors
during a long walking distance. Normalized spatiotemporal gait parameters and
their variability were extracted from the angular velocity of the shanks; the
smoothness of the trunk movement was assessed based on the spectral entropy of
the acceleration norm. As compared to healthy children, patients with Duchenne
muscular dystrophy showed significantly lower stride velocity and a less smooth
trunk movement. When the group of patients was divided into mild and moderate
based on the Motor Function Measure, the authors noticed significantly higher
values both for cadence and stride velocity, as well as improved trunk smoothness
in the mild versus moderate group. The potential of such parameters to
distinguish between different disease states opens new perspectives for the
objective assessment of efficacy of the new therapies associated with Duchenne
muscular dystrophy.

Langue : ANGLAIS

Tiré à part : OUI