Disease-specific wearable sensor algorithms for profiling activity, gait, and balance in individuals with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 1A

Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease type 1A (CMT1A), the most common inherited peripheral neuropathy, is characterized by progressive sensory loss and weakness, which results in impaired mobility. Increased understanding of the genetics and pathophysiology of CMT1A has led to development of potential therapeutic agents, necessitating clinical trial readiness. Wearable sensors may provide useful outcome measures for future trials. Individuals with CMT1A and unaffected controls were recruited for this 12-month study. Participants wore sensors for in-clinic assessments and at-home, from which activity, gait, and balance metrics were derived. Mann-Whitney U tests were used to analyze group differences for activity, gait, and balance parameters. Test-retest reliability of gait and balance parameters and correlations of these parameters with clinical outcome assessments (COAs) were examined. Thirty individuals, 15 CMT1A, and 15 controls, participated. Gait and balance metrics demonstrated moderate to excellent reliability. CMT1A participants had longer step durations (p