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Longitudinal Assessment Reveals Stage‐Dependent Utility of Digital Motor Markers in SCA1

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Clinical trials in spinocerebellar ataxias (SCA) require objective, quantifiable outcome measures sensitive to changes in disease severity. OBJECTIVES: The objective was to study the sensitivity to change of digital gait biomarkers in SCA1 over a 1-year period. METHODS: Seventeen SCA1 patients and 15 controls walked 30 seconds wearing 3 sensors at 3 walking speeds (preferred, slow, fast) at baseline and 1-year follow-up. Relationship between gait and clinical measures was analyzed, and standardized response means (SRMs) were calculated. RESULTS: Toe-off angle (TOA), variability in TOA, speed, and stride length showed significant responsiveness (SRM = -1.15, 0.61, -0.77, and -0.85). TOA, which correlated most strongly with ataxia severity and patient-reported outcomes, demonstrated higher sensitivity to change than Scale for Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA) in early-stage disease at preferred walking speed. Gait variability measures lacked sensitivity, possibly due to the short recording period. CONCLUSIONS: Digital gait biomarkers are promising outcomes in future clinical trials in SCA1, but their sensitivity to change appears stage dependent.

Source: Movement Disorders Clinical Practice

DOI: 10.1002/mdc3.70124

Authors: Ilse H.J. Willemse, Teije van Prooije, Kirsten C.J. Kapteijns, Bart P.C. van de Warrenburg

Institutions: Radboud University Nijmegen, Radboud University Medical Center, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour

Language: English

Topic: Balance, Gait, and Falls Prevention

Subfield: Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation

Field: Health Professions

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,400