Realtime feedback on gait performance in stroke patients
Many stroke patients experience gait and balance problems that can significantly affect activities of daily life. To be able to walk well, it is important that one can put their foot down and lift off again in the right way. During therapy, patients receive feedback on how well they are doing this. It is important to keep practising at home and patients would like to receive feedback on their foot push-off and food landing at home too
The aim of this study is to measure the effect of direct feedback on foot drop while walking in stroke patients. In this study patients walk on a special treadmill with a large screen in front of it (the GRAIL). With the help of markers and motion sensors, we can measure exactly how patients walk. Feedback on the patient's gait is provided on the screen.
We expect the ankle angle to improve on foot landing and push-off when one receives feedback. In addition, we want to see whether the motion sensors can provide the same feedback as the feedback we provide via the treadmill. We think that feedback will help people who have had a stroke walk better and safer, and reduce the risk of trips or falls.