THUR 229 Inertial sensors improve traditional gait monitoring in HSP patients

Abstract

BackgroundHSP is characterised by spasticity and progressive gait impairment. There’s no reliable way to monitor gait deterioration during clinics. Optoelectronic systems have demonstrated differing characteristics between gait of HSP patients and controls. They’re expensive and impractical for use in clinic settings. Inertial sensors haven’t been used to characterise HSP gaitObjectivesStudy use of inertial sensors to identify gait characteristics that differentiate mild HSP patients from controls. To identify a gait based biomarker which can be used to monitor disease progression in a longitudinal study.MethodsNeurological examination, SPRS, Modified Ashworth score, brief pain inventory were undertaken. Instrumented timed up and go (iTUG) and instrumented 10 metre walk tests (i10) wearing an inertial sensor during clinic appointments at 6 month intervals.ResultsGait variables differentiating between patients and controls, including those with mild disease, were identified. Parameters differentiating between patients with SPG4 and SPG7 mutations were found. 8 patients were re-assessed after 6 months. Analysis did not show gait deterioration.ConclusionInertial sensors can detect differences between HSP patients and controls, including those mildly affected. They can also differentiate between patients with different mutations. Further follow up data is needed to assess whether inertial sensors can predict future gait deterioration.