Genetic polymorphisms for BDNF, COMT, and APOE do not affect gait or ankle motor control in chronic stroke: A preliminary cross-sectional study. Issue 1 (2nd January 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Aljuhni, Rehab; Cleland, Brice T.; Roth, Stephen; Madhavan, Sangeetha
• Is Part Of: Topics in stroke rehabilitation. Volume 28:Issue 1(2021)
• Page Start: 72
• Page End: 80
• Publication Date: 2021-01-02
• Subjects: Genetic polymorphism -- BDNF -- APOE -- COMT -- function -- gait; Cerebrovascular disease -- Patients -- Rehabilitation -- Periodicals; Cerebrovascular disease -- Periodicals; 616.810305
• DOI: 10.1080/10749357.2020.1762060
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1074-9357

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.