Imagine being on the dance floor, grooving to the beat, when suddenly your legs freeze in place! This is precisely what happens to individuals with Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) who experience freezing of gait (FOG). In a recent study conducted in China, researchers investigated the prevalence of FOG in MSA patients and its clinical correlations. Out of 91 MSA patients, a staggering 65.93% exhibited FOG. The incidence of FOG was found to increase with disease duration and motor severity, and was correlated with various factors such as disease subtype, levodopa dosage, and cerebellum impairment. Furthermore, the presence of FOG was associated with lower quality of life scores, highlighting the negative impact it has on daily functioning. This research provides valuable insights into the debilitating effect of FOG in MSA patients and emphasizes the need for effective interventions to improve their mobility and overall well-being. To dive deeper into this fascinating study, check out the full article!
Background and PurposeFreezing of gait (FOG) is a common gait disturbance phenomenon in multiple system atrophy (MSA) patients. The current investigation assessed the incidence FOG in a cross-sectional clinical study, and clinical correlations associated with it.MethodsNinety-nine MSA patients from three hospitals in China were consecutively enrolled in the study. Eight patients were subsequently excluded from the analysis due to incomplete information. The prevalence of FOG symptoms in the MSA cohort was determined, and clinical manifestations in MSA patients with and without FOG were assessed.ResultsOf 91 MSA patients, 60 (65.93%) exhibited FOG. The incidence of FOG increased with disease duration and motor severity and was correlated with modified Hoehn and Yahr (H-Y) stages [odds ratio (OR), 0.54; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.33–3.92], longer disease duration (OR, 0.54, 95% CI, 0.37–0.78), higher Unified Multiple System Atrophy Rating Scale (UMSARS) score (OR, 0.96, 95% CI, 0.93–0.99), MSA-cerebellum subtype (OR, 2.99, 95% CI, 1.22–7.33), levodopa-equivalent dose (LDED) (OR, 0.998, 95% CI, 0.997–1.00), and higher Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA) score (OR, 0.80, 95% CI, 0.72–0.89) (logistic regression). Motor dysfunction was significantly positively associated with lower quality of life scores (p < 0.01).ConclusionFOG is a common symptom in MSA patients and it is correlated with poor quality of life, disease progression and severity, levodopa-equivalent dose, and cerebellum impairment.
Dr. David Lowemann, M.Sc, Ph.D., is a co-founder of the Institute for the Future of Human Potential, where he leads the charge in pioneering Self-Enhancement Science for the Success of Society. With a keen interest in exploring the untapped potential of the human mind, Dr. Lowemann has dedicated his career to pushing the boundaries of human capabilities and understanding.
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