‘Real-life’ gait analysis can guide MS treatment, researchers say

At-home gait measurement, with varied walking conditions and frequent changes of direction, could help grade the severity of multiple sclerosis (MS), a study has shown^[1]
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The researchers analysed gait characteristics in 14 people with moderate-to-severe ambulatory impairment caused by MS, first in the laboratory setting and then with a body-worn sensor over one week of ‘everyday living’.

The team found that the accuracy of the wearable sensor was comparable to a recent study in healthy individuals and was not affected by disability severity. The measurements taken in short walking periods (<50 consecutive steps) during daily life were the most informative to determine the level of disability and effect of interventions.

Writing in PLoS One (1 May 2018), the authors concluded: “The study provides a robust approach for the quantification of recognised clinically relevant outcomes and an innovative perspective in the study of real-life walking.”