Article

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of somatosensory impairment,
distal muscle weakness and foot deformities on the balance in 21 CMT1A patients
using a baropodometric platform. Stabilometric analysis by measuring sway area
and velocity of a centre of pressure (CoP) both at open and closed eyes were used
to assess postural imbalance. Static analysis, by measuring the load and the
plantar surface of forefoot, midfoot and hindfoot was used to define the
footprint shape and to assess as a whole foot deformities. Stabilometric and
static results were compared with those of a control group. In CMT1A patients,
stabilometric findings were correlated with static parameters, Achilles' tendon
retraction, distal muscle strength and CMT examination score (CMTES). CMT1A
patients compared to controls had lower plantar surface and load on midfoot, and
higher load on a forefoot. CMT1A patients had a greater postural instability,
since they had a higher CoP velocity, both at open and closed eyes. Moreover, the
CoP velocity correlated inversely with the strength of ankle dorsi-flexion
muscles and directly with CMTES as whole and with the item "motor symptoms legs".
Postural imbalance was not correlated with sensory impairment and foot
deformities as expressed by static analysis and Achilles' tendon retraction. In
this study we demonstrated an altered balance in CMT1A patients during upright
standing. The imbalance in our CMT patients seems to be related to the weakness
of ankle dorsi-flexor muscles rather than sensory impairment or foot deformities.
These results could be due to a mildly affected CMT1A population, evaluated in an
early stage of the disease.
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Langue : ANGLAIS