Wearable technology to optimise balance in people with Mito disease
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Development and acceptability of wearable technology to optimise balance and functional outcomes in people with Mitochondrial Disease who participate in unsupervised activity
IRAS ID
347827
Contact name
Robert Pitceathly
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University College London
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 9 months, 28 days
Research summary
The main purpose of this study is to carry out a feasibility study to investigate whether a prototype wearable sensor and smartphone application (app) displaying information about posture is acceptable to people with Mitochondrial disease (MD) who have balance problems. In this study, a minimal viable product (MVP) will piloted, with data compared against gold standard postural stability and balance assessments to assess validity. Interviews will also be completed, to understand how the MVP help individuals to improve their posture.
Following this pilot study (study 1) an observational study will be completed (Study 2). Study 2 will involving participants and unaffected controls using the MVP during twice daily balance exercises at home. Study 2 will run for 16 weeks, with acceptability and ease of use of the MVP assessed using a survey at the end of the study period.
Information from the MVP in this study will be analysed and interpreted by an engineer and/or physiotherapist. It will not be used to assess, monitor, treat or inform treatment and is thus not classed as a medical device (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), 2023).
If the sensor and smartphone app are found to be acceptable and helpful in people with MD who have balance problems, a future larger study will focus on further development and refinement of the MVP, exploring the potential for it to be developed into something that can be used to support people as an adjunct to balance rehabilitation exercises.
The sensor and app (MVP) have been developed and refined in line with pre-study Patient and public involvement (PPI) feedback. People with MD and balance problems identified that a sensor and app used as part of daily activities or unsupervised exercise, to optimise and improve posture as a priority for them.
REC name
London - Chelsea Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/LO/0437
Date of REC Opinion
19 Jun 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion