Assessment of Gait Patterns during Crutch Assisted Gait through Spatial and Temporal Analysis

TL;DR

This study analyzed different crutch walking patterns using sensors to measure spatial and temporal gait parameters, aiming to improve rehabilitation practices.

Contribution

The study introduces a novel method for assessing crutch-assisted gait using instrumented crutches and spatial-temporal analysis.

Findings

Significant differences were found between four crutch gait patterns in terms of spatial and temporal parameters.

Instrumented crutches provided promising data for monitoring and characterizing assisted gait patterns.

The developed algorithm successfully segmented gait cycles and identified gait phases.

Abstract

The use of crutches is a common method of assisting people during recovery from musculoskeletal injuries in the lower limbs. There are several different ways to walk with crutches depending on the patient’s needs. The structure of crutch gaits or crutch gait patterns varies based on the delay between the aid and foot placement, the number of concurrent points of contact, and laterality. In a rehabilitation process, the prescribed pattern may differ according to the injury, the treatment and the individual’s condition. Clinicians may improve diagnosis, assessment, training, and treatment by monitoring and analyzing gait patterns. This study aimed to assess and characterize four crutch walking patterns using spatial and temporal parameters obtained from the instrumented crutches. For this purpose, 27 healthy users performed four different gait patterns over multiple trials. Each trial was recorded using a portable system integrated into the crutches, which measured force, position, and acceleration. Based on the data angle, an algorithm was developed to segment the trials into gait cycles and identify gait phases. The next step was to determine the most appropriate metrics to describe each gait pattern. Several metrics were used to analyze the collected data, including force, acceleration, angle, and stride time. Among 27 participants, significant differences were found between crutch gait patterns. Through the use of these spatial and temporal parameters, promising results were obtained for monitoring assisted gait with crutches. Furthermore, the results demonstrated the possibility of using instrumented crutches as a clinical tool.

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