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Asymmetric Walkway: A Novel Behavioral Assay for Studying Asymmetric Locomotion
Published on: January 15, 2016
Impaired gait in ankylosing spondylitis
Silvia Del Din1, Elena Carraro, Zimi Sawacha
1Department of Information Engineering, University of Padova, Via Gradenigo 6/B, 35131, Padua, Italy. silvia.deldin@dei.unipd.it
Medical & Biological Engineering & Computing
|January 14, 2011
Summary
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients exhibit significant gait alterations, including reduced velocity and stride length. Gait analysis aids in developing targeted rehabilitation to improve balance and prevent stiffness in AS individuals.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Biomechanics
- Physical Therapy
Background:
- Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disease causing spinal rigidity.
- This condition leads to postural changes, impacting mobility and quality of life.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate gait alterations in patients with ankylosing spondylitis.
- To identify specific kinematic and kinetic changes during walking in AS patients.
Main Methods:
- Gait analysis using a 3D motion capture system and force plates.
- Evaluation of trunk, pelvis, hip, knee, and ankle kinematics and kinetics.
- Comparison between 12 AS patients on anti-TNF-alpha treatment and 12 healthy controls.
Main Results:
- Statistically significant sagittal plane alterations at all lower limb joints in AS patients (P < 0.049).
- Reduced hip and knee extension moments (P < 0.044) and decreased ankle plantarflexion (P < 0.048).
- Absence of the heel rocker mechanism observed in AS patients.
Conclusions:
- Gait analysis effectively identifies specific alterations in AS patients.
- Findings support the development of targeted rehabilitation interventions.
- Interventions can help improve balance, reduce muscle fatigue, and prevent further stiffness.
