Gait evaluation in patients with normotensive hydrocephalus using a hardware-software complex
We have developed a method for gait assessment that can be used in patients with normotensive hydrocephalus and a number of other pathological conditions associated with gait impairments, including Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases. We recorded and analyzed the distance passed by the patient using a distance meter. We analyzed the most important gait parameters, including total time to cover the distance, total number of steps, mean step length, mean, minimum, and maximum marching speed, and mean time per step. Evaluation of gait parameters before and after the tap test allows predicting the efficacy of ventriculoperitoneal shunting in patients with normotensive hydrocephalus. Postoperative gait evaluation can be used to assess the efficacy of surgery. In patients with suspected Parkinson's disease, positive dynamics in gait parameters in response to levodopa therapy can be used for differential diagnosis with normotensive hydrocephalus. Two gait parameters were found to correlate with the condition of patient suffering from normotensive hydrocephalus: mean speed measured over the entire distance and mean time per step.