Abstract
BackgroundThe knee adduction moment (KAM) is a surrogate measure of mediolateral distribution of loads across the knee joint and is correlated with progression and severity of knee osteoarthritis (OA). Existing biomechanical approaches for unloading the arthritic medial knee compartment vary in their effectiveness in reducing KAM. This study employed a completely wireless, pressure-detecting shoe insole capable of generating auditory feedback via a smartphone. Research question: To investigate whether auditory cues from a smartphone can prompt subjects to adjust their gait pattern and reduce KAM. Methods: Nineteen healthy subjects underwent gait training inside the lab (Phase 1) and received auditory cues during mid- and terminal stance to medialize their foot COP (center-of-pressure). This initial training period was continued unsupervised while walking around campus (Phase 2). ResultsAfter Phase 1, subjects reduced their KAM by 20.6% (p = 0. 001), a finding similar to a previous study that used a wired, lab-based insole system. After further unsupervised training outside the lab during Phase 2, subjects were able to execute the newly learned gait pattern without auditory feedback still showing a KAM reduction of 17.2% (p < 0.001). Although, speed at Phase 2 was lower than at baseline (p = 0.013), this reduction had little effect on KAM (r = 0.297, p = 0.216). In addition, the adduction angular impulse was reduced (p = 0.001), despite the slower speed. SignificanceTogether, these results suggest that the wireless insole is a promising tool for gait retraining to lower the KAM and will be implemented in a home-based clinical trial of gait retraining for subjects with knee OA.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.