Biofeedback training for the analysis of gait stereotypes in patients with gonarthrosis

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The justification of the treatment techniques for patients with gonarthrosis requires the use of modern methods for assessing walking stereotypes.
 AIM: This study aimed to evaluate the biomechanical and podometric gait parameters of patients with gonarthrosis using the C-Mill multifunctional complex with biofeedback.
 MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 55 patients who were divided into the following groups: main group (n=35) of patients who had gait disturbances, diagnosed with stage III–IV primary gonarthrosis with varus deformation of the limb axis according to ICD-10, and underwent total knee replacement and control group (n=20) of patients diagnosed with stage I primary gonarthrosis. The average age of patients was 58.7 years in the main group and 47.5 years in the control group.
 RESULTS: In the main group, the decrease in average walking speed was accompanied by decreases in stride length and step frequency (р 0.05). In the stance phase, which is characterized by the contact of the foot of the affected and contralateral lower extremities with the platform surface, the durations of the double stance phase of both extremities in the main group were longer than those in the control group (p 0.05), indicating gait asymmetry and redistribution of excess load on the contralateral lower extremity, which is clinically manifested by lameness. In the main group, gait was characterized by a decrease in voluntary speed, step frequency, and gait pattern changes in various planes, confirming severe clinical and functional disorders in the lower limbs.
 CONCLUSION: The study of the walking stereotype in patients using the C-Mill multifunctional complex with biofeedback can be used to substantiate treatment techniques, followed by drawing up an individual medical rehabilitation plan to restore lower limb functions in the postoperative period, fully monitor treatment dynamics, prevent falls, and improve the quality of life of patients.