Study of Walking, Balance, and Confidence in Adults with Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease and Cavovarus Foot Deformity Comparing Ankle-Foot Orthoses and Surgery

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying how ankle-foot orthoses AFOs and surgical correction affect walking, balance, and mobility in people with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease CMT, a common inherited nerve condition. CMT often causes walking difficulties that reduce quality of life and lead to frequent falls, mainly from tripping and balance problems. This research aims to better understand the benefits and limits of AFO use compared to surgery, especially for those with a brace-able foot deformity called cavovarus. The study includes two groups one with CMT patients who had surgical correction but do not use AFOs, and another with CMT patients who use prescribed AFOs but have not had surgery. Participants in the AFO group will perform tests both with and without their braces. The study will take place in a gait lab where mobility and balance will be assessed using various tests and measurements. During the study, participants will complete mobility and balance tests such as the Four-Square Step Test, walking speed measurement, balance confidence questionnaire, falls frequency questionnaire, and gait biomechanics analysis. These assessments will help researchers compare how surgery and AFOs affect walking and balance. The study runs until 2027, and the findings aim to guide better treatment decisions for people with CMT and cavovarus foot deformity.

CMT Gait, Mobility, Balance - AOFAS Grant