Objective: Objective: Typical Parkinsonian gait detection and analysis is heavily dependent on expensive sensors and human labor. Here we propose the use of PODOSmart® insoles, a low cost wearable sensor technology designed to measure gait and running parameters in real life conditions, for the accurate detection and analysis of spatio-temporal variables of Parkinsonian gait.

Background: Background: Disturbance in spatio-temporal gait variables is a common feature in Parkinson’s Disease (PD). PD patients exhibit significantly slower walking speed, cadence and stride length than healthy individuals. Careful detection and analysis of these spatio-temporal gait variables is a key parameter in the management of PD.

Method: Method: The sample consisted of 15 male PD patients (mean age 66,93 years, SD 7,73) and 15 male age-matched healthy controls (mean age 65,13 years SD 8,80). Gait analysis was performed in all subjects using the PodoSmart® insoles. Each participant performed a walking trial on a 15 meter walkway, using u-turns at the end of the walkway, at his preferred walking speed for one minute. Three gait parameters, walking speed, cadence and stride length (for left and right foot) were selected for statistical analysis.

Results: Results: Our data indicated that PD patients had significantly lower performance (p=0,005) than healthy controls on all gait parameters. More specifically, PD patients found to have a) lower walking speed (mean walking speed 2,22km/h, SD 0,55) than that of the healthy controls (mean walking speed 4,11 km/h, SD 0,63), b) lower cadence (mean cadence 103,20steps/min, SD 9,86) than that of the healthy controls (mean cadence 2,22steps/min, SD 0,55) and c) lower stride length of both the left (mean stride length 0,85m, SD 0,17) and right foot (mean stride length 0,87 m, SD 0,20) than that of the left (mean stride length 1,33m, SD 0,10) and right foot (mean stride length 1,35m, SD 0,14) of the healthy controls, respectively

Conclusion: Conclusions: This study provides substantial evidence that PODOSmart® insoles can be used for the detection and analysis of Parkinsonian gait. . A particular advantage of utilizing this technology is its ability to improve testing schemes, influence measurement strategies, and replace more expensive and well-established scientific instruments, at least under certain situations.

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MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/detection-and-analysis-of-spatio-temporal-variables-of-parkinsonian-gait-using-podosmart-insoles/