Gait Analysis in EB Simplex

  • Research type

    Research Study

  • Full title

    Gait Analysis in Epidermolysis Bullosa Simplex

  • IRAS ID

    274099

  • Contact name

    Deborah Falla

  • Contact email

    d.falla@bham.ac.uk

  • Sponsor organisation

    University of Birmingham

  • Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier

    N/A, N/A

  • Duration of Study in the UK

    0 years, 5 months, 17 days

  • Research summary

    Summary of Research
    Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) comprises a group of at least 30 separate conditions each associated with a unique gene abnormalities, and all sharing the common problem of blistering in relation to trauma, often mild and in particular related to shear force The commonest group, comprising approximately 70% of all patients, is the group termed Epidermolysis Bullosa Simplex, who amongst other problems have reduced moblity and poor posture. We wish to analyse gait and dynamic foot pressures in adults with Epidermolysis bullosa simplex, and then develop personalised rehabilitation therapies to correct abnormalities, combined with orthotics provided by the half national UK EB Service, based at Solihull Hospital

    Summary of Results
    This study investigated how people with Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB) Simplex walk, and a comparison with a group of healthy individuals was conducted. The mediolateral and anteroposterior forces produced by the contact of feet with the ground were reduced in people with EB simplex during the heel strike and push-off phases of their walking cycle. Also, people with EB simplex walk with a shorter step length. Significant kinematics differences were not observed between people with EB simplex and the control group, but large heterogeneity was observed in people with EB simplex which could explain why statistical differences between groups were not identified. Findings of this study can inform future projects applying potential interventions to restore a correct gait pattern in people with EB simplex.

  • REC name

    London - Brent Research Ethics Committee

  • REC reference

    20/PR/0013

  • Date of REC Opinion

    27 Jul 2020

  • REC opinion

    Favourable Opinion