Driving Simulator Performance in Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease Type 1A

Introduction: This study evaluates driving ability in those with Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease Type 1A, a hereditary peripheral neuropathy. Methods: Individuals with Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease Type 1A (n = 18, age = 42 ± 7) and controls (n = 19; age = 35 ± 10) were evaluated in a driving simulator. The Charcot-Marie-Tooth Neuropathy Score version 2 was obtained for individuals. Rank Sum test and Spearman rank correlations were used for statistical analysis. Results: A 74% higher rate of lane departures and an 89% higher rate of lane deviations were seen in those with Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease Type 1A than for controls (p = 0.005 and p < 0.001, respectively). Lane control variability was 10% higher for the individual group and correlated with the neuropathy score (r_S = 0.518, p = 0.040), specifically sensory loss (r_S = 0.710, p = 0.002) and pinprick sensation loss in the leg (r_S = 0.490, p = 0.054). Discussion: Driving simulator assessment demonstrated more lane control errors in those with Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease Type 1A, which correlated with lower extremity sensory loss. There was no significant difference in reported motor vehicle accidents.