scholarly journals Technological solution for determining gait parameters using pressure sensors: A case study of multiple sclerosis patients

2014 ◽  
Vol 24 (6) ◽  
pp. 3511-3522
Author(s):  
María Viqueira Villarejo ◽  
Jose Maeso García ◽  
Begoña García Zapirain ◽  
Amaia Méndez Zorrilla
Author(s):  
Julius Griškevičius ◽  
Vigita Apanskienė ◽  
Jurgita Žižienė ◽  
Kristina Daunoravičienė ◽  
Agnė Ovčinikova ◽  
...  

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most frequent neurological disease causing permanent disability in young adults. Subtle walking difficulties, such as reduced walking speed, step length, cadence and increased step width can be detected at an early stage of the disease. Main goal of this research is by using non-invasive wireless inertial sensors measure gait of MS patients in clinical setting and extract temporal biomechanical parameters that would allow objectively evaluate level of disability in MS patients. Analysis of 25-Foot walk showed that the duration of stance phase is approximately 1.6 times greater in MS group than in healthy control group, while the duration of swing phase in MS group is 1.3 times longer. In general, the MS patients are walking approximately 1.6 times slower.


2014 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 225-234 ◽  
Author(s):  
Seth E Frndak ◽  
Victoria M Kordovski ◽  
Diane Cookfair ◽  
Jonathan D Rodgers ◽  
Bianca Weinstock-Guttman ◽  
...  

Background: Unemployment is common in multiple sclerosis (MS) and detrimental to quality of life. Studies suggest disclosure of diagnosis is an adaptive strategy for patients. However, the role of cognitive deficits and psychiatric symptoms in disclosure are not well studied. Objective: The goals of this paper were to (a) determine clinical factors most predictive of disclosure, and (b) measure the effects of disclosure on workplace problems and accommodations in employed patients. Methods: We studied two overlapping cohorts: a cross-sectional sample ( n = 143) to determine outcomes associated with disclosure, and a longitudinal sample ( n = 103) compared at four time points over one year on reported problems and accommodations. A case study of six patients, disclosing during monitoring, was also included. Results: Disclosure was associated with greater physical disability but not cognitive impairment. Logistic regression predicting disclosure status retained physical disability, accommodations and years of employment ( p < 0.0001). Disclosed patients reported more work problems and accommodations over time. The case study revealed that reasons for disclosing are multifaceted, including connection to employer, decreased mobility and problems at work. Conclusion: Although cognitive impairment is linked to unemployment, it does not appear to inform disclosure decisions. Early disclosure may help maintain employment if followed by appropriate accommodations.


2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lucas Felipe Ribeiro dos Santos ◽  
Ana Maria Canzonieri

2011 ◽  
Vol 18 (6) ◽  
pp. 881-890 ◽  
Author(s):  
Isabella Schwartz ◽  
Anna Sajin ◽  
Elior Moreh ◽  
Iris Fisher ◽  
Martin Neeb ◽  
...  

Background: Preservation of locomotor activity in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients is of utmost importance. Robotic-assisted body weight-supported treadmill training is a promising method to improve gait functions in neurologically impaired patients, although its effectiveness in MS patients is still unknown. Objective: To compare the effectiveness of robot-assisted gait training (RAGT) with that of conventional walking treatment (CWT) on gait and generalized functions in a group of stable MS patients. Methods: A prospective randomized controlled trial of 12 sessions of RAGT or CWT in MS patients of EDSS score 5–7. Primary outcome measures were gait parameters and the secondary outcomes were functional and quality of life parameters. All tests were performed at baseline, 3 and 6 months post-treatment by a blinded rater. Results: Fifteen and 17 patients were randomly allocated to RAGT and CWT, respectively. Both groups were comparable at baseline in all parameters. As compared with baseline, although some gait parameters improved significantly following the treatment at each time point there was no difference between the groups. Both FIM and EDSS scores improved significantly post-treatment with no difference between the groups. At 6 months, most gait and functional parameters had returned to baseline. Conclusions: Robot-assisted gait training is feasible and safe and may be an effective additional therapeutic option in MS patients with severe walking disabilities.


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