HNF is excited to announce a new avenue of research for improving the physical and emotional well-being of people living with CMT (Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease). Beginning in summer 2017 and continuing through the following year, HNF funded and conducted a research study for people with CMT using an anti-gravity (body-weight-support) treadmill in New York City.

About the Study

The study used an anti-gravity treadmill, a device that uses an airtight enclosure and air pressure to reduce the effective load on a participant’s body, allowing them to stand, walk, and exercise with reduced body weight and a lower risk of falling. Participants can reduce their effective body weight down to 20 percent of normal, which can help improve balance, build endurance, and increase walking speed.

Dr. James Nussbaum, PT, PhD, SCS, EMT, physical therapist and research and clinical director of ProHealth & Fitness PT OT in Manhattan, led the study. Dr. Nussbaum is an expert in the rehabilitation of people with CMT and other neuromuscular diseases, with more than 15 years of clinical and research experience and presentations across the United States and internationally.

What Participation Involved

Study participants were required to have a diagnosis of CMT. After an extensive initial evaluation, participants completed 30-minute exercise sessions three times per week for three months. They were then re-evaluated at the end of the three-month program and again at three and nine months after completion to assess changes in balance, mobility, and quality of life.

Participation was free of charge. People of all ability levels were eligible for evaluation, including those with or without braces and those who use assistive devices such as canes or walkers.

A Patient’s Experience

Estela Lugo, a person with CMT, was among those who experienced meaningful results. “I lost all movement from the knee down before the age of 10 and have been wearing AFO’s since kindergarten. I didn’t think I would ever experience running in my lifetime. I stepped into this machine and was running within a few minutes. There aren’t any words to completely describe how amazing that felt.”

One year and 116 miles later, Estela continued to show encouraging results. “We believe that movement is medicine and can greatly improve quality of life. The AlterG gets patients moving in new ways and pushes the boundaries of disability.”

HNF hoped that bringing this type of assisted-movement technology and more mobility activities to people with CMT would help improve independence and quality of life across the community.