Objective: To assess the reliability of spatiotemporal parameter measurements in HSP patients obtained from an inertial system and an application compared with the conventional motion capture system

Background: Hereditary Spastic Paraplegias (HSP) encompass a spectrum of genetic diseases characterized by the neurodegeneration of the corticospinal tract affecting the ambulatory capability. The clinical variability among patients with this condition complicates the establishment of the progression biomarkers. The spatiotemporal parameters are a set of fundamental variables for understanding both normal and pathological gait making them potential biomarkers. On the other hand, the Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs) present a promising alternative due to their portability and user-friendly operation compared to conventional motion capture systems

Method: In this cross-sectional study, twelve patients with HSP were assessment (11/12 SPG4; 7/12 with independent walking). The timed up and go test over a 5-meter distance was employed to record each patient’s gait using simultaneously the inertial system with seven IMUs, the application using a single IMU from the smartphone, and the conventional motion capture system. Each patient performed four walking repetitions, two at self-selected speeds and two at maximal speeds. The agreement between systems was evaluated with Bland-Altman plots stratified by steps of the right and left leg and the effect of using a walking aid were analyzed with three groups: overall group, patients with independent walking, and patients requiring walking aids

Results: The spatiotemporal parameters had statistically significant agreement between the inertial system and conventional system for the overall group (p > 0,05), when the steps were analyzed together. However, when the parameters were analyzed separately for steps of the right and left leg, there was agreement only for patients with independent walking (p > 0,05); the overall group and patients requiring walking aids had not agreement on step length (p < 0,05). The application was not reliable for evaluating spatiotemporal gait parameters in HSP

Conclusion: The inertial system was accurate for quantification of spatiotemporal gait parameters in HSP patients with independent walking. This portable device can be used in future clinical trials to evaluate the gait in patients with HSP

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MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/validation-of-inertial-measurement-units-and-an-application-compared-with-the-reference-system-to-assess-the-gait-in-hereditary-spastic-paraplegia/