Smartphone Applications to Assess Gait and Balance Among Stroke Survivors

Abstract

<h3>Objective(s)</h3> To summarize the viability of smartphone applications for determining gait dysfunctions and balance disorders in stroke survivors (SS). <h3>Data Sources</h3> A database search of peer-reviewed articles published in English through PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, CINAHL, and SportDiscuss was conducted in January 2021. The search strategy included a combination of the terms: smartphone, stroke, gait, balance, and postural control. <h3>Study Selection</h3> Studies that explored the use of smartphone-based applications in laboratory and/or home-based settings for assessing gait and balance among SS. <h3>Data Extraction</h3> Two independent reviewers screened potential articles to determine their eligibility for inclusion in the review. Eligible studies were summarized for participant and study characteristics, validity, reliability, sensitivity, and specificity of smartphone assessments. Methodological quality assessment of all studies was performed. <h3>Data Synthesis</h3> Seven cross-sectional studies were included in this review. Quality assessment revealed all studies had a low risk of bias. In total, 43% of the included studies examined the validity, 57% examined the reliability, and 29% examined the specificity and sensitivity of smartphone-based application assessments of gait and balance in SS. All those studies revealed that smartphones were valid, reliable, specific and sensitive to evaluate gait and balance in SS. Six of the 7 included studies intended their use for SS and one study for clinicians. <h3>Conclusions</h3> Gait and balance impairments are key fall risk factors among SS. Effective methods to assess these impairments may help reduce fall risks, while also improving functional outcomes. The results provide evidence that smartphone-based gait and balance assessments are a viable option in SS in laboratory settings. Future research is needed to test smartphone-based gait and balance assessments in home settings and determine optimal wear sites for assessments. <h3>Author(s) Disclosures</h3> JJS is principal owner of Sosnoff Technologies LLC.