Walking-related Digital Biomarkers in Childhood Neuromuscular Disorders

This observational study aims to understand how walking patterns, measured by special insoles, can show changes in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) and Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 3 (SMA Type 3). Researchers want to find digital biomarkers (measurable indicators) that show how severe the disease is and how it changes over time in everyday life. You might be able to join if you have a confirmed diagnosis of DMD or SMA, or are a healthy control, and can walk independently for at least 25 meters. For DMD, you need to be on corticosteroids or have started them recently. For SMA, you need to be on a stable dose of an FDA-approved SMN up-regulator therapy or in an open-label extension for at least 6 months. The study will measure walking ability using tests like the Six Minute Walk Test, 10 Meter Walk/Run, and Time Up and Go Test. The current recruitment status is unclear.

Study design
This is an observational study with a planned enrollment of 106 participants. It is not a drug trial, but rather aims to understand disease progression through walking patterns.
What's involved
Participants will wear instrumented insoles in a lab setting and in their daily lives. Walking tests like the Six Minute Walk Test will be performed on one day.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
Walking tests are measured on one day. The study aims to monitor longitudinal changes, but specific follow-up duration is not detailed.

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.

NCT06839469

Establishing Walking-related Digital Biomarkers in Rare Childhood Onset Progressive Neuromuscular Disorders

Recruiting
Not specifiedAges 5+Observational
Columbia University
~106 participants
Updated 2026-04-09 on ClinicalTrials.gov

At a glance

Recruiting sites
3 of 3 listed sites are recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Six Minute Walk Test
Measured over One day
+7 more outcomes measured
Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 3
Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD)

NCT06839469

Where you'd take part

This study runs at 3 sites. They're the same protocol — you choose where, and that choice sets who your contact draft is addressed to.

  • Boston Children's Hospital

    Boston, Massachusettsstudy coordinator listed

    Recruiting

  • Columbia University Irving Medical Center

    New York, New Yorkstudy coordinator listed

    Recruiting

  • Stanford University

    Palo Alto, Californiastudy coordinator listed

    Recruiting

Sites open and close at different times, so the status above is per site — it can differ from the study's overall status.

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

Genetic confirmation of disease (DMD, SMA) or healthy control
Able to walk independently at least 25 meters
Ongoing corticosteroids therapy or initiation of corticosteroid therapy in the previous 3 months for DMD
Stable dose of FDA approved SMN up-regulator therapy or in an open-label extension phase of a study treatment for at least 6 months for SMA or gene replacement at enrollment for SMA or DMD participants.

Exclusion

Use foot orthoses or assistive devices for community ambulation or a mobility device for community navigation
Use investigational medications intended for treatment of NMD within 30 days
Prior to study entry had an injury or surgery that would impact gait within the previous 3 months
  • Six Minute Walk TestOne day

    Participants will complete the six minute walk test in a corridor which includes the instrumented walkway, while wearing the insoles. This is to measure spatial parameters, kinetic parameters, temporal parameters, and metrics of cumulative activity in order to compare against the gold standard instrumented walkway. The six minute walk test is an objective evaluation of functional exercise capacity, and measures the maximum distance a person can walk in six minutes over a 25 meter course.

  • 10 Meter Walk/RunOne day

    Participants will walk, or run if able to, for 10 meters on the instrumented walkway while also wearing the insoles. This will be done to measure spatial parameters, kinetic parameters, temporal parameters, and metrics of cumulative activity in order to compare against the gold standard instrumented walkway. This outcome is reported as the time it takes for the participant to complete 10 meters as fast as possible.

  • Time Up and Go Test (TUG)One day

    Participants will complete the TUG test. This is a timed test of mobility, requiring the participant to stand up from a seated position, walk 3 meters and return to sitting in the chair. The outcome reported is the time it takes for the participant to complete the sequence.

  • Muscle Strength Testing with Hand-held Dynamometry (HHD)One day

    HHD is used to assess the strength of muscles and is reported as the maximum strength exerted in pounds (lbs).

  • 30 Second Sit to Stand Test (30STS)One day

    30STS test is used to basic muscle power and function. The participant begins seated with their arms at their sides, feet flat on the floor and back against the chair. They are instructed to rise up to a full standing position and sit back down as many times as possible in 30 seconds, with or without using their hands for support.

  • Ankle Range of MotionOne day

    Ankle range of motion (ROM) will be assessed on both the left right side using standardized goniometers. The procedures used will be standardized and performed by trained physical therapists who have attended in-person training. ROM will be recorded in degrees for plantar flexion and dorsiflexion.

  • Knee Extension Range of MotionOne day

    Knee extension range of motion (ROM) will be assessed on both the left right side using standardized goniometers. The procedures used will be standardized and performed by trained physical therapists who have attended in-person training. ROM will be recorded in degrees of knee extension.

  • Hip Extension Range of MotionOne day

    Hip extension range of motion (ROM) will be assessed on both the left right side using standardized goniometers. The procedures used will be standardized and performed by trained physical therapists who have attended in-person training. ROM will be recorded in degrees of hip extension.