Assessing the Relationship of Quality of Life With Functional Status in a Large Cohort of Adult Patients With Neuromuscular Disorders
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background and Objectives: Health-related quality of life (HR-QoL) is compromised in patients with neuromuscular disorders (NMDs). Disease severity alone does not predict HR-QoL; there are other known predictors including physical, psychological, and social factors. This study aims to provide insight into how mobility, age, and diagnosis may affect HR-QoL in adults with NMD. Methods: The QoL in Genetic Neuromuscular Disease Questionnaire (QoL-gNMD) was completed by adult patients with NMDs before attending a clinical visit at the John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre in Newcastle upon Tyne, UK. The Summary of Function Scale was administered during the clinical visit to characterize mobility status. Results: = 0.17). Discussion: Age and mobility status affect HR-QoL. Individuals with limited ambulation reported the poorest HR-QoL, which was partially restored in powered wheelchair users, to levels comparable with more ambulant patients. However, the positive effect of wheelchair use became less substantial as patients get older. There was also marked variability in HR-QoL between diagnoses that was unrelated to physical disability. These findings provide evidence to guide care management discussions and highlight the importance of timely introduction of powered mobility.
Source: Neurology Clinical Practice
Authors: Karen S.W. Wong, Anando Sen, Jassi Michell-Sodhi, Dionne Moat, Michelle McCallum, Mark Richardson, Elizabeth Harris, Anna G. Mayhew, Michela Guglieri, Emma Grover, Jordi Diaz-Manera, Emma Robinson, Maha Elseed, Joseph Mason, Chloe Geagan, Meredith K. James, Volker Straub, Chiara Marini-Bettolo, Robert Muni-Lofra
Language: English
Subfield: Genetics
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W7128769120