Genetic polymorphisms for BDNF,COMT, and APOE do not affect gait or ankle motor control in chronic stroke: A preliminary cross-sectional study |
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Authors: | Rehab Aljuhni Brice T. Cleland Stephen Roth |
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Affiliation: | 1. Brain Plasticity Lab, Department of Physical Therapy, College of Applied Health Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago , Chicago, IL, USA https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5323-6637;2. Brain Plasticity Lab, Department of Physical Therapy, College of Applied Health Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago , Chicago, IL, USA https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8227-6876;3. Department of Kinesiology, School of Public Health, University of Maryland , College Park, MD, USA https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7841-3695 |
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Abstract: | ABSTRACT Background: Motor deficits after stroke are a primary cause of long-term disability. The extent of functional recovery may be influenced by genetic polymorphisms. Objectives: Determine the effect of genetic polymorphisms for brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT), and apolipoprotein E (APOE) on walking speed, walking symmetry, and ankle motor control in individuals with chronic stroke. Methods: 38 participants with chronic stroke were compared based upon genetic polymorphisms for BDNF (presence [MET group] or absence [VAL group] of a Met allele), COMT (presence [MET group] or absence [VAL group] of a Met allele), and APOE (presence [ε4+ group] of absence [ε4- group] of ε4 allele). Comfortable and maximal walking speed were measured with the 10-m walk test. Gait spatiotemporal symmetry was measured with the GAITRite electronic mat; symmetry ratios were calculated for step length, step time, swing time, and stance time. Ankle motor control was measured as the accuracy of performing an ankle tracking task. Results: No significant differences were detected (p ≥ 0.11) between the BDNF, COMT, or APOE groups for any variables. Conclusions: In these preliminary findings, genetic polymorphisms for BDNF, COMT, and APOE do not appear to affect walking speed, walking symmetry, or ankle motor performance in chronic stroke. |
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Keywords: | Genetic polymorphism BDNF APOE COMT function gait |
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