Article

The goal of our research is to augment gait rehabilitation for persons with gait
asymmetry through a real-time feedback system that can be used independently by
patients in the community. Our wireless, wearable, real-time gait asymmetry
detection system called the lower extremity ambulatory feedback system (LEAFS) is
a low-cost, in-shoe gait detection device that provides real-time auditory
feedback based on the stance time symmetry ratio between the right and left
limbs. This study evaluated the performance of the LEAFS in three study subjects
with gait asymmetry secondary to unilateral transtibial amputation. Study
subjects used the LEAFS for six 30-min training sessions under the supervision of
a physical therapist. Two subjects demonstrated improved gait symmetry, with one
subject reducing trunk sway by 85.5%, and the other subject reducing trunk sway
by 16.0% and increasing symmetry ratio toward unity by 26.5%, as measured by a
clinical motion analysis lab. The third subject did not demonstrate any objective
improvements in gait symmetry or trunk sway. While testing with a larger number
of subjects is necessary, this initial study using LEAFS with persons with
transtibial amputations suggests that it can assist in improving gait symmetry in
this population.
CI - Copyright (c) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS