Clinical implications of gait analysis in the rehabilitation of adult patients with 'Prader-Willi' Syndrome: a cross-sectional comparative study ('Prader-Willi' Syndrome vs matched obese patients and healthy subjects)
2007

Gait Analysis in Prader-Willi Syndrome Patients

Sample size: 53 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Vismara Luca, Romei Marianna, Galli Manuela, Montesano Angelo, Baccalaro Gabriele, Crivellini Marcello, Grugni Graziano

Primary Institution: Istituto Scientifico Ospedale San Giuseppe, Verbania, Italy

Hypothesis

The study aims to analyze the gait pattern of adult subjects with Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) and compare it with obese and healthy subjects.

Conclusion

PWS subjects had a significantly different gait pattern compared to obese patients, despite both groups having a similar BMI.

Supporting Evidence

  • PWS patients walked slower and had a shorter stride length compared to both obese and healthy subjects.
  • Obese matched patients showed spatio-temporal parameters significantly different from healthy subjects.
  • PWS subjects had a longer stance phase and a lower cadence compared to both control groups.

Takeaway

People with Prader-Willi Syndrome walk differently than those who are just obese, even if they weigh the same. This is because of how their bodies develop when they are young.

Methodology

A cross-sectional comparative study using three-dimensional gait analysis to assess kinematic and kinetic parameters during walking.

Potential Biases

Potential selection bias due to the specific recruitment of patients from a single institution.

Limitations

The study may not account for long-term effects of obesity on gait as it only analyzes adult patients.

Participant Demographics

19 patients with PWS (11 males, 8 females, aged 18-40 years), 14 matched obese patients (5 males, 9 females, aged 18-40 years), and 20 healthy subjects (10 males, 10 females, aged 21-41 years).

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.0001

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1743-0003-4-14

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