The 12-month pilot has been implemented in four different locations, with the support of Health Innovation East, to enhance patient outcomes and reduce the risk of .

Falls are estimated to cost the NHS more than £2.3 billion per year yet falls and fractures in older people are often preventable, and reducing the incidences of them is important for maintaining health, wellbeing and independence for older people (1) (2). Falls are multifactorial, but risk factors include muscle weakness, poor balance and visual impairment (1).

GaitSmart is a portable motion-sensor, gait analysis technology developed by Dynamic Metrics Limited. GaitSmart assessments provide data-driven rehabilitation guidance to improve a person’s gait, indicate future potential issues and help identify the location of joint issues.

The technology is quick and easy for trained staff to use in various settings, offering patients a unique opportunity to improve muscle strength, balance, and overall mobility. During the assessment, sensors are attached to the patient, who then performs a short walking test— walk approximately 10 meters, turn, and walk back – with or without their usual walking aid.

Then, based on its analysis, GaitSmart recommends a personalised plan of six exercises tailored to the patient’s specific walking pattern deficits. Patients are invited to return at set intervals—week 1, 4, 8, and 12—to measure progress and modify the exercise plan as needed.

Whilst the final evaluation report is not due until March 2025 feedback from patients who have been assessed by GaitSmart so far is incredibly promising. From the small patient sample, the data is showing a 34% decrease in those categorised as high risk of failing. Patients have advised that seeing each report has increased their motivation to perform exercises, that the reports are easy to understand and that they have found improvement in their mobility as a result of using the GaitSmart programme. Participants would also highly recommend GaitSmart to anyone who is having issues walking or rehabilitating.

Emma Brown, Head of Innovation BLMK Integrated Care Board says:

“We are thrilled to partner with GaitSmart and Health Innovation East to evaluate the impact of this exciting innovation in BLMK. With the challenges of falls and frailty, it is essential that we are proactively looking for creative ways to keep people active. We are very encouraged by the positive impact GaitSmart is having on mobility and quality of life. We look forward to sharing our final evaluation next year.”

Diana Hodgins, CEO and co-founder, GaitSmart:

“Having people believe in what we do and understand why we exist has been instrumental in bringing GaitSmart to patients in need. I am delighted that the promising preliminary data from evaluation is demonstrating the real-world benefits of GaitSmart. Following completion of the evaluation, we hope to see the technology supporting more patients to improve their mobility and increase their confidence.”

References:

(1) https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg161/chapter/introduction)

(2) https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/falls-applying-all-our-health/falls-applying-all-our-health