Comparison of walking quality variables between incomplete spinal cord injury patients and healthy subjects by using a footscan plantar pressure system

This study uses a plantar pressure system to compare walking quality between individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI) and healthy individuals. The system measures spatiotemporal parameters (like speed and stride length) and plantar pressure parameters to assess differences in gait. The goal is to identify sensitive quantitative parameters that can be used to improve gait quality in SCI patients.

• 1
  SCI patients exhibited slower walking speeds, longer stride and stance times, and shorter stride lengths compared to healthy subjects.
• 2
  Peak pressures under the metatarsal heads and toes were lower in SCI patients, while heel pressure and contact area were higher.
• 3
  Symmetry indexes for stance time, step length, maximum force, impulse, and contact area were increased in SCI patients, indicating reduced symmetry.