Correlation between objective and subjective measures to achieve functional limb salvage.

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Clinical Assessment
• Wearable Technology

Background:

• Functional ambulation is crucial for limb salvage in chronic lower extremity (LE) wounds.
• Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and wearable gait sensors offer subjective and objective assessments of function.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the relationship between gait parameters and PROMs.
• To identify patients at risk of adverse outcomes using gait analysis and PROMs.

Main Methods:

• Adult patients (≥18 years) without open wounds or pain during ambulation were included.
• Patients completed the Lower Extremity Function Scale (LEFS), a walk test, and a Romberg sway test with sensors.
• Analysis compared moderate-high function (LEFS ≥ 41) and mild-minimal function (LEFS < 41) groups.

Main Results:

• 104 patients participated; 76.9% had moderate-high function.
• Moderate-high function group exhibited significantly better gait speed, step duration, cadence, stride length, single limb support, and stability (p<0.001).
• Higher function levels independently predicted improved gait parameters.

Conclusions:

• Lower LEFS scores correlate with pathologic gait, indicating potential clinical utility.
• The LEFS shows promise for clinical implementation to assess ambulatory status.
• This study pioneers the correlation of objective gait sensor data with PROMs for ambulatory status assessment.