Are you interested in getting your walking checked?
You might ask, why would I want to do that?
Did you know that, in the UK for people aged 55 to 75 around 30% of years lived with disabilities are due to musculoskeletal (MSK) issues.
Approximately 1.71 billion people have musculoskeletal conditions worldwide, and these conditions are the leading contributor to disability worldwide, with low back pain being the single leading cause of disability in 160 countries.
Musculoskeletal conditions significantly limit mobility and dexterity, leading to early retirement from work, lower levels of well-being and reduced ability to participate in society.
GaitSmart is innovative technology that provides an objective measure of gait/walking ability in a patient friendly report. It is a quick and easy test, where sensors are attached to a patients legs and a short walking test is undertaken. A report is produced showing any identified weaknesses or imbalances and a personalised plan of approximately six exercises most relevant to the deficits are recommended. The test is repeated every 4 weeks, where hopefully any improvement are seen.
Transforming Mobility with GaitSmart
We are thrilled to share the incredible progress our patients have achieved with GaitSmart; over 250 tests have been completed and to date almost 60 patients have completed the program, and the results speak for themselves.
There has been on average, an 8% improvement in walking speed and enhanced hip and knee function in those patients that completed the four tests and personalised exercise program (over 12 weeks), empowering them to walk with greater ease and confidence.
GaitSmart’s tailored approach helps to identify movement issues and generates a targeted exercise program with a series of gentle exercises to help restore function and mobility. It’s more than just a walking test and an exercise program, it’s a step forward for a better quality of life and a preventative approach to health care, which aims to make significant savings by reducing the need for future treatments.
Due to the fabulous uptake and the dedication of our care-coordinators, West Street Surgery has been offered funding to deliver the programme for another 12 months. We are looking for patients who feel that they would benefit from the walking analysis, happy to commit to a 12 week programme which includes 4 scheduled tests usually on Tuesday afternoons, but there is some flexibility. We will be running a series of new groups from January 2025.
Inclusion criteria
- Any adult 18+ who feels like their walking is not as effortless as it used to be
- Ability to walk (with or without a walking aid) 10 metres turn and walk back
- Capacity to consent and to participate in the GaitSmart intervention programme
- Able to commit to the 12 week programme of tests and home exercise plan
Exclusion criteria
- Have a catheter or other fitted external device that GaitSmart straps applied to waist, hips, knees and ankles may interfere with
- Patient cannot be pregnant
Book to join the GaitSmart Programme
West Street Surgery has a number of sessions running from January 2025. If you are interested in taking part please email emma.debbage1@nhs.net.