Individualised gait modification strategies in Alkaptonuria patients
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Determining individualised gait modification strategies to reduce knee joint moments in Alkaptonuria patients using real-time biofeedback
IRAS ID
248641
Contact name
H R Shepherd
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Liverpool John Moores University
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 11 months, 6 days
Research summary
Alkaptonuria (AKU) is a degenerative disease affecting the cartilage of the joints. The disease affects movement function, particularly walking/gait which is an important activity of daily living. It is believed that increased joint loading measured by the moments acting upon the joints contributes to the degeneration of joint cartilage in Alkaptonuria, particularly in the weight bearing joints such as knees and hips (Taylor et al. 2011), resulting in accelerated progression of painful symptoms. Currently there is no cure for Alkaptonuria and the current management includes joint replacement surgery. Gait modification strategy interventions could be a non-invasive alternative which could delay the time to surgical interventions by reducing or altering joint loading and stalling the progression of disease (Simic et al. 2011).
The aims of this study are to 1) to determine if individualised gait modification strategies can be used to reduce the 3D knee joint loading, 2) to determine if the gait modification can be retained without feedback during over ground walking and 3) to determine the individualised gait modifications strategies adopted by AKU patients.
Gait data will be measured and quantified using the non-invasive typical clinical gait analysis set up, using 3D motion capture combined with force data whereby joint angles, moments and powers can be calculated in all 3 planes of motion during treadmill walking. The intervention will involve real time biofeedback using the M-Gait treadmill (Motekforce Link, Netherlands). Due to the heterogeneity of the sample, each Alkaptonuria patient will act as their own control. Gait data will be compared pre and post intervention and a validated pain score questionnaire will be used to identify any patterns with knee pain and adopted gait modifications.
Taylor, A.M. et al. (2011). Rheum, 50, 271-277.
Simic, M. et al. (2011). Arthritis Care Res, 63, 405-426.REC name
London - Fulham Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
19/LO/1730
Date of REC Opinion
2 Dec 2019
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion