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Introduction/Aims: People with Charcot–Marie–Tooth Disease (CMT) frequently report problems with balance, which lead to an increased risk of falls. Evidence is emerging of training interventions to improve balance for people with CMT, but to date all have relied on clinic‐based treatment and equipment. This proof‐of‐concept study explored whether a multi‐modal program of proprioceptive rehabilitation and strength training can be delivered at home, to improve balance performance in people with CMT Type 1A. Methods: Fourteen participants with CMT Type 1A were recruited into this randomized, two‐arm study. Baseline assessments included measures of disease severity, posturography, physical function, and patient‐reported outcome measurements. All participants received one falls education session. Participants were randomized to either 12 weeks of balance training or 12 weeks of usual activities. The intervention comprised a home‐based, multi‐sensory balance training and proximal strengthening program, supported by three home visits from a physiotherapist. Results: Thirteen participants completed the study. The intervention was successfully implemented and well tolerated, with high participation levels. Functional measures of balance and walking showed strong effect sizes in favor of the training group. Posturography testing demonstrated moderate improvements in postural stability favoring the intervention group. Inconsistent changes were seen in lower limb strength measures. Discussion: The intervention was feasible to implement and safe, with some evidence of improvement in balance performance. This supports future studies to expand this intervention to larger trials of pragmatic, home‐delivered programs through current community rehabilitation services and supported self‐management pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Balance impairment contributes to gait dysfunction, falls, and reduced quality of life in adults with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) but has been minimally examined in pediatric CMT.Methods: The CMT Pediatric Scale (CMTPedS) was administered to 520 children with CMT. Associations between balance function (Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency [BOT-2]) and sensorimotor and gait impairments were investigated.Results: Daily trips/falls were reported by 42.3% of participants. Balance (BOT-2) varied by CMT subtype, was impaired in 42% of 4-year-olds, and declined with age (P < 0.001). Vibration (P < 0.001), pinprick (P < 0.004), ankle dorsiflexion strength (P < 0.001), and foot alignment (P < 0.004) were associated with BOT-2 balance (adjusted R2 = 0.28). The visual dependence of balance increased with age.Discussion: Balance impairment occurs from a young age in children with CMT. Balance intervention studies are required in pediatric CMT and should consider the degree of sensorimotor impairment, foot malalignment, and visual dependence. Muscle Nerve, 2019. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]