Wearable Devices Help Assess Friedreich’s Ataxia Severity Better Than In-Clinic Assessments

Managed Healthcare Executive November 4, 2024
Andrew Cox, Pharm.D., MBA

The ability to gather continuous, objective data on physical activity and upper limb movements may allow for a more comprehensive understanding of the daily functional capacities of patients with Friedereich’s ataxia.

Sensor derived metrics demonstrated accurate measurements of disease severity and motor dysfunction in Friedreich’s ataxia (FRDA) according to a study published in Communications Medicine. Furthermore, incorporation of the metrics into machine learning models improved predictions of disease severity.

FRDA is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive loss of coordination and movement due to frataxin protein deficiency. Traditional clinical assessments, such as the modified Friedreich’s Ataxia Rating Scale (mFARS), are subjective and often insensitive to subtle changes in the condition, leading to challenges in accurately monitoring disease progression and evaluating...

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