sensor-based gait analysis in patients with HSP
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Assessment of the use of sensor-based gait analysis as a biomarker to quantify functional status in patients with hereditary spastic paraparesis.
IRAS ID
224834
Contact name
Channa Hewamadduma
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS FT
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 6 months, 1 days
Research summary
Hereditary spastic paraplegia is a neurodegenerative condition which is identifiable by progressive lower limb tightness and stiffness (spasticity). There is currently no treatment for this condition which leads to considerable disability often causing an affected individual to become wheelchair-bound. Therefore management is focused on treatment of spasticity, physiotherapy, bladder symptom and management of pain.
Evaluation of this patient cohorts walking ability is essential in monitoring their disease progression and in assessment of efficacy in using anti spasticity medications. Inertial sensors placed on a patient can generate a wealth of information to characterize the gait when a patients gait is assessed in routine clinic. This information is extracted using computer-based technology, which can indicate specific characteristics of gait other than the speed. These characteristics of gait can be then used as identifiable markers to quantify the functional status of these patients.
This prospective observational study will examine 50 patients with HSP and a further 50 participants who will be age and gender matched controls selected from healthy volunteers accompanying family or friends of the patients. Their gait is assessed using traditional methods currently used in clinic as part of their routine examination and gait lab supported wearable sensor (inertial sensors) based methods to determine the gait characteristics at specific time points over two years during the study period.
REC name
London - Stanmore Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/LO/0555
Date of REC Opinion
13 Apr 2017
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion