Title : The use of technology to help people improve their mobility by focusing on gait kinematics, with a focus on the older population
Abstract:
Technological advancements can have a huge impact on keeping people mobile. In this paper we will discuss how ‘GaitSmart’, a sensor based tool, has been used to help 406 people, average age 76.7, improve their mobility.
GaitSmart identifies and quantifies gait kinematic issues that are affecting mobility. This data is presented in a simple to understand report incorporating scoring and RAG coding. This same gait data is used to automatically calculate a personalised set of exercises to address these gait issues. The 12 week intervention programme consists of 4 tests, each 4 weeks apart.The client is motivated to do their exercises at home by seeing the changes in their scores at the next test.
The talk with provide an overview of the system and a description of how it has been integrated in to Chiltern Hills PCN, with a care assistant testing patients and running through their results and exercise plan at each session. Changes in gait speed and joint angle over the 12 week intervention period will be presented for the 406 clients. It will also highlight risk factors that affect the older community, such as total hip or knee replacement and osteoarthritis. Benefits to the clients and to the health service will then be summarised.
