Technological solution for determining gait parameters using pressure sensors: a case study of multiple sclerosis...

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Neurology
• Rehabilitation Science

Background:

• Multiple sclerosis (MS) significantly impacts gait quality, leading to mobility issues.
• Early detection of gait deterioration in MS patients is crucial for effective management and intervention.
• Current gait assessment methods may lack objectivity and continuous monitoring capabilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a technological solution for objective gait quality measurement in individuals with MS.
• To identify specific step parameters indicative of gait degeneration in MS.
• To enable early detection of MS patient deterioration for prompt physician intervention.

Main Methods:

• Utilized Android mobile technology, online services, and four wireless pressure sensors for gait data acquisition.
• Collected gait data from a group of 8 individuals with MS and 6 healthy controls.
• Analyzed 40 general step features, focusing on differences between first and fifth metatarsals.

Main Results:

• Identified statistically significant differences in 7 out of 40 general step features between MS patients and healthy controls (p<0.05).
• Observed distinct differences in gait parameters related to the first and fifth metatarsals.
• Minimum and maximum standard deviations (σ) for significant features were 0.013 and 0.029, respectively.

Conclusions:

• The developed technological approach using pressure sensors can effectively evaluate gait degeneration in people with MS.
• Specific identified step parameters serve as reliable indicators of gait quality changes in MS.
• Future research could incorporate bending and inertial sensors for enhanced activity monitoring.