A remote digital assessment study found some measures could distinguish ALS from controls
Original source
Digital Remote Assessment of Motor and Speech Changes in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Longitudinal Observational Study. (opens in a new tab)Compass summarised this from the study's abstract.
Study details
- Study type
- Observational study
- Studied in
- Human
A 24-week observational study tested weekly smartphone, wearable and computer mouse assessments in 19 people with ALS and 23 controls. Some digital measures distinguished the groups and correlated with self-reported ALS Functional Rating Scale-Revised subdomains. Only one feature showed statistically significant separation over 24 weeks, so larger and longer studies are needed.
Why this matters
These tools may help researchers measure motor and speech changes remotely and could eventually support clinical trials. The findings are about feasibility and measurement, not a treatment benefit, and do not currently change care for people with ALS.
Limitations and context
The study was small and observational, with 42 participants, and follow-up lasted 24 weeks. Most measures did not show statistically significant separation over time. The authors state that larger cohorts and longer follow-up are needed before potential integration into clinical trials.