Can digital footprints capture clinically relevant gait endpoints in non-clinically setting? A Proof of Concept

This proof of concept has two components; mining the literature to identify the gait parameters that correlate with cognitive decline and determining if those endpoints could be captured using smart-insoles. There is growing interest in gait change as a marker for cognitive decline, with reports of gait disturbances found to precede dementia by more than 5 years. The use of wrist worn physical activity monitors (PAM) to collect steps and gait cadence is well established. While gait speed has been identified as signal, other spatiotemporal characteristics also appear have potential as key indicators of cognitive decline. Assessing spatiotemporal gait is not a simple process with the use of electronic walkways and specialist clinics common. This can impact the number of locations available for gait assessments particularly in clinical trials. New technology such as smart-insoles is emerging. This has the potential to capture more nuanced assessment of gait change including balance, inter-gait variability even stance. If alternative viable technologies were available gait could be assessed outside of specialist clinics, including residential care setting or the patient’s own home.