Gait and Balance Impairment in Rare and Very Rare Neurological Diseases

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to better understand balance and walking difficulties in people with rare, very rare, or undiagnosed neurological diseases. These conditions affect the nervous system and often cause progressive motor problems, increasing the risk of falls and injuries. Because these diseases are uncommon, little is known about their symptoms and progression, making diagnosis and treatment challenging. Participants will undergo questionnaires, clinical balance tests, and detailed instrumental assessments. These include self-reported balance and fatigue questionnaires, walking speed tests, mobility evaluations using wearable sensors, and treadmill walking with advanced motion capture. The study will also compare these impairments to those seen in more common neurological diseases like multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, and peripheral neuropathy. During the study, participants will complete questionnaires and clinical scales, and their walking and balance will be measured with specialized equipment. Researchers will track various balance and gait parameters to identify unique patterns and progression over time. These detailed measurements will help understand the severity of impairments, support diagnosis, and guide future treatment and rehabilitation strategies. The study enrollment is open to adults aged 18 to 80 years, and participation may last several months or longer for follow-up assessments.

Gait and Balance Impairment in Rare and Very Rare Neurological Diseases