by A groundbreaking method for analyzing walking abilities and stances has been unveiled by researchers at the Kennedy Krieger Institute and Johns Hopkins Medicine. Through extensive testing, they have devised an innovative approach utilizing cell phone videos to accurately measure an individual’s gait at a clinical grade level.
The conventional techniques for gait analysis are often costly and impractical due to the time and effort needed for assessments, making them inaccessible to many. However, there is a crucial demand for this analysis in patients with conditions like traumatic brain injury, physical injuries, or disorders. The researchers have developed freely available software that allows for a more convenient assessment of walking abilities, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of rehabilitation efforts.
Dr. Ryan Roemmich, a research scientist at the Kennedy Krieger Institute and assistant professor at Johns Hopkins University, highlights the potential of conducting high-quality gait analyses using just a smartphone. He stresses the importance of having accessible tools for measuring gait that can benefit clinicians and researchers working with patients suffering from various conditions affecting their walking abilities.
The novel approach involves utilizing cutting-edge software to record cellphone videos capturing the patients’ walking patterns from different perspectives. These videos can be recorded as the patient walks towards or away from the camera or from a profile angle, depending on the specific condition being addressed. This flexibility allows for assessments to be conducted in diverse settings, not limited to a physician’s office, offering more convenience to both clinicians and patients.
Advanced algorithms are employed to analyze the recorded data, focusing on key movements such as knee and ankle positions, step lengths, and overall body size as seen in the video image. Dr. Jan Stenum, a research associate at Johns Hopkins University and a co-investigator in this study, emphasizes the importance of training clinicians to effectively utilize this technology for optimal results. Eventually, the goal is to empower patients to record these videos at home and submit them for analysis.
The researchers are optimistic that this innovative approach will inspire healthcare professionals across the country to explore similar solutions for gait analysis. Dr. Roemmich envisions the potential for further research into leveraging technology in various rehabilitation settings, with plans to refine and implement this method for the benefit of patients in need.
The introduction of this cutting-edge technology marks a significant advancement in the field of gait analysis, offering a cost-effective and practical solution for assessing walking abilities with high precision and accessibility.
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1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
