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Home-Based Monitor for Gait and Activity Analysis
Published on: August 8, 2019
Quantifying gait impairment using an instrumented treadmill in people with multiple sclerosis
Alon Kalron1, Zeevi Dvir, Lior Frid
1Multiple Sclerosis Center, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel ; Institute of Motor Functions, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel.
ISRN Neurology
|July 24, 2013
Summary
Treadmill gait analysis accurately identifies mobility issues in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. Gait parameters on the treadmill correlate with functional impairments, showing its effectiveness for MS assessment.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Biomechanical Engineering
Background:
- Overground walking analysis systems have limitations.
- Treadmill gait analysis offers a viable alternative for measuring walking.
- Understanding gait in multiple sclerosis (MS) is crucial for rehabilitation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine spatiotemporal gait parameters in MS patients using a treadmill.
- To investigate the association between these gait parameters and functional impairments in MS.
- To evaluate the utility of instrumented treadmill analysis for MS ambulation assessment.
Main Methods:
- Eighty-seven relapsing-remitting MS patients and 25 healthy controls participated.
- Spatiotemporal gait parameters were measured using the Zebris FDM-T Treadmill.
- Correlation analysis was performed between gait parameters and the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS).
Main Results:
- MS patients exhibited significantly altered gait: shorter steps, longer stride/step times, wider base of support, reduced single support, and prolonged double support.
- All spatiotemporal gait parameters showed significant correlation with the EDSS score.
- The instrumented treadmill effectively differentiated MS gait from healthy controls.
Conclusions:
- Instrumented treadmill gait analysis is effective for assessing MS patients' ambulation.
- Gait parameter alterations in MS are linked to functional disability.
- This method provides valuable insights for MS rehabilitation strategies.
