Development of a Therapist-worn Gait Training Support System: A Pilot Feasibility Study.

OBJECTIVES

Efficient gait training requires optimization of both the training intensity and training quantity; however, objective real-time feedback during gait training remains insufficient in clinical rehabilitation settings. To address this limitation, we developed a therapist-worn gait training support system based on the use of smart glasses. The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the feasibility and preliminary effects of this system on gait training parameters.

METHODS

This study included 12 patients with post-stroke hemiplegia. Gait training was performed for 20 min on separate days under two conditions: conventional gait training and therapist-worn gait training with the use of smart glasses. Participants were equipped with wearable sensors, and the step count, gait distance, gait speed, and heart rate were measured during each session. Statistical analyses were performed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test.

RESULTS

Compared with conventional gait training, therapist-worn gait training resulted in significant increases in the total step count, total gait distance, mean gait speed, and mean heart rate (all P <0.05). No adverse events were observed during therapist-worn gait training.

CONCLUSIONS

The therapist-worn gait training support system may contribute to improving both the intensity and quantity of gait training in rehabilitation medicine by enabling real-time monitoring of gait and physiological parameters, thereby facilitating more objective and efficient gait training.