CMT Gait, Mobility, Balance - AOFAS Grant

This study compares mobility, balance, and gait outcomes in people with Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease — the most common inherited peripheral neuropathy, affecting over 2.8 million people globally — who manage their foot deformity either with an ankle-foot orthosis (AFO brace) or with surgical correction. CMT causes progressive foot drop and balance problems that lead to frequent falls, and there is currently little evidence to help clinicians choose between bracing and surgery. Individuals aged 12–75 with a genetically confirmed CMT diagnosis who are able to walk without an AFO and can read English are eligible; those with other neuropathy risk factors like diabetes are excluded. Participation involves a gait laboratory visit that includes walking tests, balance assessments, and measurements of how the AFO or post-surgical foot affects movement. This summary was generated with AI assistance and is intended to help patients understand the study in plain language.