Myotonic dystrophy type 1 alters muscle twitch properties, spinal reflexes, and perturbation-induced trans-cortical reflexes.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Neurophysiologic biomarkers are needed for clinical trials of therapies for myotonic dystrophy (DM1). We characterized muscle properties, spinal reflexes (H-reflexes), and trans-cortical long-latency reflexes (LLRs) in a cohort with mild/moderate DM1.

Methods

Twenty-four people with DM1 and 25 matched controls underwent assessment of tibial nerve H-reflexes and soleus muscle twitch properties. Quadriceps LLRs were elicited by delivering an unexpected perturbation during a single-limb squat (SLS) visuomotor tracking task.

Results

DM1 was associated with decreased H-reflex depression. The efficacy of doublet stimulation was enhanced, yielding an elevated double-single twitch ratio. DM1 participants demonstrated greater error during the SLS task. DM1 individua

SUBMITTER: Shields RK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7711310 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature