‘Walking’ towards a gait solution

Fresh from a high profile Research Fellowship at the University of Delaware in the US, Dr Gita Pendharkar's design is set to revolutionise the ways we assess and track walking patterns.

Dr Pendharkar's design involves a monitory sensory device embedded into the heel of a shoe and used to analyse, in real time, a patient's gait pattern while walking.

The device is linked to a wireless attachment on the patient's wrist, which gives out auditory and vibratory feedback if an abnormal gait is detected.

The system has ground breaking potential to fast track the rehabilitation process for gait impaired users such as stroke patients, and now Dr Pendharkar is looking toward further applications in sports science.

Gait disorders are a major cause of functional impairment and morbidity in the elderly population. Most gait disorders in older persons are multifactorial and have both neurologic and non-neurologic components. Gait disturbances in the elderly are also a risk factor for future cardiovascular disease and dementia.

The device was developed in collaboration with researchers from the University of Delaware, where Dr Pendharkar spent time after winning a Sir Keith Murdoch Fellowship from the American Australian Association in 2013.

Feedback about the potential application of the device was also obtained from the Harvard University Running Laboratory.

She now hopes the system will inspire students to extend the technology into the future.

“This system is at the cutting edge of technology and if we can train students to design and develop similar innovative medical devices and increase the biomedical manufacturing industry in these areas, the country and the community will reap great rewards.”

Dr Pendharkar, who teaches electro technology in the School of Vocational Engineering, says RMIT professional staff have provided invaluable support to her during her time as an educator.