Abstract
Background and purpose: Stroke and small vessel disease cause gait disturbances and falls. The naturally occurring loss-of-function mutation in the C-C chemokine receptor 5 gene (CCR5-Δ32) has recently been reported as a protective factor in post-stroke motor and cognitive recovery. We sought to examine whether it also influences gait and balance measures up to 2 years after stroke. Method: Participants were 575 survivors of first-ever, mild–moderate ischaemic stroke or transient ischaemic attack from the TABASCO prospective study, who underwent a 3 T magnetic resonance imaging at baseline and were examined by a multi-professional team 6, 12 and 24 months after the event, using neurological, neuropsychological and mobility examinations. Gait rhythm and the timing of the gait cycle were measured by force-sensitive insoles. CCR5-Δ32 status and gait measures were available for 335 patients. Results: CCR5-Δ32 carriers (16.4%) had higher gait speed and decreased (better) stride and swing time variability 6 and 12 months after the index event compared to non-carriers (p < 0.01 for all). The association remained significant after adjustment for age, gender, education, ethnicity and stroke severity. Conclusions: Significant associations were found between gait measurements and CCR5-Δ32 loss-of-function mutation amongst stroke survivors. This is the first study showing that genetic predisposition may predict long-term gait function after ischaemic stroke.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 692-701 |
Number of pages | 10 |
Journal | European Journal of Neurology |
Volume | 30 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 1 Mar 2023 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- CCR5-Δ32 polymorphism
- gait
- insoles
- stroke
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Neurology
- Clinical Neurology