Lower Extremity Gait, Mobility and Balance Confidence in Charcot-Marie-Tooth Patients With Cavovarus Foot Deformity
Bopha Chrea
Summary
The overall objective of the proposed research is to begin to better understand the potential benefits and limitations of ankle -foot orthosis (AFO) use in the context of mobility and balance during gait for individuals with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT). These benefits will be studied in comparison to those offered by surgical correction. We will accomplish by having subjects undergo mobility and balance tests in our gait analysis lab.
Description
Walking is an important daily activity that is compromised in individuals with neuromuscular conditions. Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease is the most common form of inherited peripheral neuropathy, affecting 2.8 million people worldwide and 1 in 2500 in the United States. Amongst patients with CMT, impaired walking is the most significant contributor to reduced quality of life in patients with CMT. Furthermore, these gait deficits result in over 80% of individuals with CMT experiencing a fall or near fall event annually, primarily due to tripping and balance related issues. Ankle foot orthose…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 25–55 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: 1) Clinical diagnosis and genetic confirmation of CMT, 2) Between the ages of 12 and 75, 3) Able to walk at a slow to moderate pace without an AFO, 3) Able to read and write in English and provide written informed consent. 4) Individuals in the NonOP group must have an AFO prescribed for daily activities. Individuals in the OP group will also have had 5) surgical correction of CMT cavovarus foot deformity focused on muscle balancing and hindfoot correction. Exclusion Criteria: 1) Other causes or risk factors for peripheral neuropathy (for example diabetes, ETOH abuse), 2)…
Interventions
- DeviceAnkle-foot Orthoses
Group 1 will consist of individuals who have CMT and have undergone surgical correction (OP) and Group 2 will be AFO users who have CMT but have not undergone major surgical correction (NonOP).
Location
- University of Iowa Medical Campus - North Liberty (MCNL)North Liberty, Iowa