Not yet recruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Digital Outcome Assessment Using AI Active Gaming and Motion Capture in Friedreich Ataxia

This research is looking for better ways to measure how Friedreich Ataxia affects movement. Current methods can be tiring and don't always show small but important changes. This study uses special computer games and modern artificial intelligence (AI) technology to track how people move. By playing short, movement-based games on a laptop, a camera and AI software can record details about speed, accuracy, and how well someone moves. Researchers want to see if these digital measurements are accurate, reliable, and sensitive enough to be used in future clinical trials for new FA treatments. It also checks if patients find this new way of testing easy to use and helpful.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Sponsor

University of Exeter

Enrolment target

Start

30 Jul 2026

Estimated completion

31 Dec 2026

Friedreich Ataxia

What is this study about?

Friedreich Ataxia (FA) is a condition that gradually affects a person's balance, coordination, and ability to walk. When new treatments for FA are tested, doctors need good ways to measure if the treatments are working. Right now, the standard tests can be a bit challenging for patients, might not feel relevant to their daily lives, and sometimes miss small but important improvements or changes. This means we need better tools that are more precise, easier for patients, and can pick up on subtle changes over time.

This study is trying to create and test a new digital way to measure movement in people with FA. Imagine playing short, fun computer games that involve movement, all done on a laptop. As you play, a special camera and computer program using artificial intelligence (AI) watch and record how you move. The idea is that the way someone plays these games – how quickly and accurately they move, and the quality of their movements – can give doctors clear, useful information about how their body is functioning.

The researchers are doing two main things. First, in a lab setting, they compare these game-based measurements against a very detailed, traditional motion-tracking system. They also compare them to the usual clinical tests to make sure they are accurate and truly reflect a person's movement. Second, people with FA will play these games at home once a month for 12 weeks. This helps the researchers see if the digital measurements stay consistent over time and if they can detect any changes. The overall goal is to find out if these digital measurements are reliable and sensitive enough to be used in future FA research, and importantly, if patients find them easy to use and helpful.

Key takeaways

This study aims to improve how we measure movement in Friedreich Ataxia.
It uses computer games and AI technology to track movement.
Results could help make future FA treatment trials more effective.
Participation involves a lab visit and, for FA patients, monthly home game sessions for 3 months.
It's a study about measurement tools, not a treatment trial.
Your contribution could significantly advance research for Friedreich Ataxia.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you would need to be between 12 and 50 years old. If you have Friedreich Ataxia, it needs to be confirmed by a genetic test. All participants, whether with FA or healthy volunteers, must be able to sit or stand on their own for at least 5 minutes.

For those with Friedreich Ataxia, your medication should have been stable for at least the past four weeks, meaning no changes during that time. If you are under 16, a parent or guardian would need to give their permission for you to take part.

You cannot join the study if you are outside the age range (younger than 12 or older than 50), have severe memory or thinking problems that would make it hard to understand the tasks, suffer from active seizures, or get very sick from non-immersive virtual reality tasks. Also, if you are already in another treatment study or don't have a reliable internet connection that can be fixed, you wouldn't be able to participate. Anyone for whom moderate exercise would be unsafe also cannot join.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 12 and 50 years old?
If you have Friedreich Ataxia, is it confirmed by a genetic test?
Can you sit or stand on your own for at least 5 minutes?
For FA patients, has your medication been stable for the last 4 weeks?
Are you able to understand tasks and use a computer/laptop?
Do you not have an active seizure disorder or get very sick from virtual reality tasks?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you'll visit a lab once for about two hours. During this visit, you'll get familiar with the games, then play several short movement-based computer games for about 20 minutes. While you play, special sensors will record your body's movements, heart rate, and brain activity. If you have Friedreich Ataxia, you will also play these games at home once a month for 12 weeks, with support available if you need it. This will be done on a laptop. The total duration of participation in the study is about 3 months for those with FA, and a single visit for healthy volunteers. There are no changes to your medication mentioned as part of the study.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could help researchers find better ways to measure how Friedreich Ataxia affects movement, which might lead to more successful treatment trials in the future. It could also give you an opportunity to contribute directly to scientific progress. Potential risks are generally low, mainly involving some moderate physical activity during the game tasks and the time commitment for the lab visit and home sessions. There's also a small chance of discomfort from sensors or from experiencing 'non-immersive virtual reality'. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and this will not affect your medical care.

Locations (1)

University of Exeter
Verified postcode
Exeter, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is Friedreich Ataxia?

It's a rare, inherited condition that gradually affects balance, coordination, and walking.

What are 'digital outcome assessments'?

These are new, computer-based ways to measure how conditions like Friedreich Ataxia affect a person's body and movements, often using games or digital tools.

Will I get any treatment in this study?

No, this study is not testing a treatment. It's about finding better ways to measure movement for future treatment studies.

How long will I need to be in the study if I have FA?

You'll have a single visit to the lab (about 2 hours) and then play games at home once a month for 12 weeks.

Do I need special equipment at home?

You will use a standard laptop to play the games. If you don't have a reliable internet connection, the researchers might be able to help.

How to find out more

Talita Dias da Silva Magalhaes

t.dias.magalhaes@exeter.ac.uk +44 (0) 1392 661000 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.