The aim of this research was to investigate the physical functioning of patients with myopathy and to measure its influence on quality of life (QoL). Previous studies have observed a lower QoL in myopathy than in control patients but its relationship with physical functioning as not yet been evaluated. We hypothesized that motor abilities evolution would predict a lower physical and psychological QoL.

Twenty-five patients with adult-form myopathy were included: 14 patients with myotonic dystrophy type 1, 6 with facioscapulohumeral dystrophy, 2 with limb girdle muscular dystrophy, 1 with mitochondrial myopathy, 1 with Central Cores myopathy, 1 with Ullrich muscular dystrophy (population description in Table 1, n=25).

They all answered two questionnaires of QoL: Medical Outcomes Short-Form 36 (SF-36) which gives a physical and a mental score and the Quality of Life of genetics neuromuscular diseases (QoL-gNMD) which gives three under-scores: Body symptom, Self-perception, Activity and participation. The physical functioning was evaluated with two measures by physiotherapists: balance with the Berg Scale and walking range with the 6 Minute Walk Test.

Linear regression analysis showed the 6 Minute Walk Test was significantly predictor of the three scores of QoL-gNMD and the physical score of SF-36. The under-score “Activity and Participation” was also predicted by a balance trouble (Table 2). None independent variable was linked with the mental score of SF-36.

Results reveal the negative influence of the physical function lost on QoL, especially the walking range. Effects are observed in body aspects like symptom or social relationship as well as deeper psychological aspects as the self-perception. So, it appears very important to take into account the motor abilities evolution of each patient in order to recommend an adapted rehabilitation, and if necessary, a psychological support to optimally preserve their quality of life.