Developed by Herts-based Dynamic Metrics, the GaitSmart rehabilitation exercise programme is intended for people who are ambulatory or partially ambulatory and have gait and mobility issues.
GaitSmart uses sensor-based digital technology to monitor limb movement. Seven sensors are placed on either side of the pelvis, one on each thigh and calf, and one at the base of the spine.
Objective measurements are taken while the person is walking to identify any problems with gait, with information from the sensors automatically processed to produce a colour-coded report that helps the user and healthcare professional to understand any gait issues and the severity.
The test takes 10 minutes to complete, and is delivered by a trained healthcare assistant, freeing up physiotherapy resources.
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The gait assessment produced by GaitSmart is then used with vGym, an integrated app for healthcare professionals that produces a personalised rehabilitation programme consisting of six exercises to help improve mobility.
According to NICE, the innovative aspects of the technology are that it uses a fully automated process to identify each gait cycle from the sensor data and extracts key gait kinematic features. Muscle weakness can also be calculated using this data.
Dynamic Metrics were shortlisted in the Healthcare and Medical category of the 2023 Collaborate to Innovate Awards. Company founder and CEO, Diana Hodgins MBE, said: “Our aim has always been to deliver the highest quality gait rehabilitation solution for people and to make it affordable for widespread use. NICE guidance for use in falls and frailty is key to helping the wider population and we are delighted that GaitSmart has been recognised for its potential to make such a difference in this area.”
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