Gait spatiotemporal parameters (STPs) are markedly altered in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA), and these alterations might be associated with foot pain, according to a study published in the Journal of Foot Pain and Ankle Research.
In this analysis, researchers assessed 21 participants with PsA, and 21 age- and sex-matched healthy participants. The population of interest were all asked to perform three 10-minute walk test trials at their comfortable speed. STPs and gait variability were recorded and calculated using a combination of six body-worn inertial measurement units (IMUs) and mobility software. The investigators assessed foot pain and disability using the foot function index (FFI).
The study found a significant connection between STPs and the FFI scores. The researchers noted that gait variability was significantly increased in the PsA group, but it was not correlated with foot pain or function.
The researchers concluded that: “Future studies are required to confirm the increased gait variability highlighted in this study and its potential underlying causes. Using IMUs has been useful to objectively assess foot function in people with PsA.”
Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35246222/
Keywords: Foot function, Foot pain, Gait analysis, Gait variability, Psoriatic arthritis, Spatiotemporal parameters
