The Correlation Between Modified Total Cerebral Small Vessel Disease Score and Gait and Balance Disorder in Middle-aged to Older Adults

Background and purpose: The aim of this study is to investigate the relationships between the original and modified total cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) score and gait and balance impairment using quantitative and semi-quantitative tests. Methods: In our study, patients aged 45 to 85 years were recruited consecutively. CSVD manifestations were identified with brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and the original and modified CSVD scores were calculated based on the results. Gait and balance function were assessed using both gait parameters and clinical rating scales. The correlation between the original and modified total scores of the CSVD and gait and balance dysfunction was demonstrated. Results: 224 patients were enrolled in the study. Gait and balance disorders were associated with both the original and modified CSVD scores. A significant association remained after adjusting for gender, height, age, hypertension, and other relevant risk factors. The binary logistic regression and chi-squared trend tests revealed that impairment of movement function significantly correlated with the modified CSVD score and that the dysfunction was significantly higher for patients with modified CSVD scores of 5-6 than those with scores of 1-2. In receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, modified CSVD scores were more accurate in predicting gait impairment than original CSVD scores. Conclusion: We found both original and modified total CSVD scores to be related to gait and balance disorder, and the modified CSVD score was more accurate in identifying movement impairment and should be used as an effective tool in investigating CSVD and motor dysfunction.