TECHNOLOGY

Smart StepTM is an innovative biofeedback and monitoring system designed to help clinicians effectively guide patients with compromised lower limb function due to sport, orthopedic or neurological trauma towards optimal gait performance. It records and analyzes key gait parameters and provides instantaneous and accurate audio and visual feedback.

WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT?

Current Methods for Gait Rehabilitation: Despite the steadily increasing number of patients requiring gait re-education, recent decades have seen virtually no progress in rehabilitation technology. Current methods for gait rehabilitation still rely primarily on verbal instructions from the therapist based on visual assessment, which is subjective and unmeasured. Other methods include standing in front of a mirror or standing on a bathroom scale in order to feel the desired body weight to be loaded during gait. Both these methods are subjective and static in nature – meaning these methods can only be accomplished while standing. Interpretation of such instructions varies among clinicians and patients and thus can be inaccurate and subjective.
Alternative Technology: Balance plates, force plates, and even robotics are available for gait rehabilitation. What the SmartStep offers that alternative technologies do not is an affordable solution for lower limb rehabilitation in a portable, compact and user-friendly system appropriate for both clinic and home use. In today’s busy clinic environment, clinicians can implement SmartStep with a large number of patient’s for assessment, biofeedback training and gait analysis quickly and easily, requiring less of their time.
Portable, Compact and User-friendly: The SmartStepTM system is comprised of four components:

• A flexible, light weight, force-sensing insole

• A wireless portable, miniature microprocessor control unit for data storage and immediate feedback

• User-friendly software for gait analysis, display and long-term storage of patient performance records

• An interactive multimedia training software

SmartStep is an innovative biofeedback training device that dramatically enhances lower limb recovery by monitoring foot-reaction forces and by analyzing and displaying results as immediate feedback for both patients and clinician. The force applied under the heel and forefoot of the affected limb is measured by the SmartStepTM insole, a novel force-sensing device.

The data is received and stored temporarily by the portable compact control unit worn around the ankle.

The clinician can program this unit to provide the patient with real-time auditory indications of correct or incorrect gait performance as per the patient’s prescribed regime.

In the clinic, data are relayed from the control unit to a computer running the SmartStepTM software.
The SmartStepTM application displays a graphic analysis of the patient’s data, including weight bearing, velocity, cadence and movement timing.

Using this objective, accurate information, clinicians are easily able to quantify patient performance, determine therapy goals and evaluate treatment progress. SmartStep’s uniquely clear and user-friendly gait pattern analysis provides maximum functionality with minimal product training.
Biofeedback training – Accelerate Recovery: The microprocessor can be programmed to provide the patient with auditory indications of correct or incorrect gait performance according to the specific patient’s prescribed regime. Two feedback modes are available: (1) load target learning, intended to increase or limit weight bearing, and (2) gait pattern learning, intended to train the patient in the correct kinematics and load bearing transfer. Biofeedback training in the clinic or at home enhances the relearning of all aspects of lower limb motor function, including standing up, stair climbing and balance. Feedbacks training in the clinic or at home help patients achieve correct posture, motion and function.
Gait Pattern Analysis - Quantify Patient Performance: The SmartStepTM application graphically displays an analysis of patient data, including weight bearing, velocity, cadence, and the correct timing of the gait. With this tool, physicians and physical therapists are able to quantify patient performance, determine therapy goals and evaluate treatment progress. This is also of immense value to third-party payers when evaluating submitted health claims.
Clinically-Proven Results: Comparison measurements between the SmartStep system and a standard force plate revealed a significant correlation (R²=0.9067 and P=0.004). Patients who are recommended full weight bearing achieve significant improvements in body weight bearing over the affected limb thanks to the SmartStep precise and easy-to-follow auditory sues.
Based on immediate biofeedback instructions from the control unit, the SmartStep subject group experienced rapid movements in both standing and walking tests.

The graph illustrates the effectiveness of SmartStep in accelerating weight bearing recovery in the affected limb.
Flexible Ergonomically Designed Insole: The insole is a polyurethane air inflated and contains two separate air pockets: the forefoot and the hind foot. A 3 mm wide flexible tubes are use to inflate/deflate each pocket and to connect the pocket to a control unit. The insole is suitable for both left and right feet and is supplied in various sizes. To maintain hygiene, the insole is consumable meaning; each patient receives their own insole which must be adapted properly to the patient’s shoe size.
Miniature Control Unit: The SmartStep control unit serves three functions: Data relay, data collection, and feedback generation. The control unit contains two pressure sensors connected to each of the two insole air pockets. It stores the electric signals sampled from the pressure sensors of the insole that is relayed to a PC in either online of off line mode. It can be pre-programmed to provide an audio feedback according to the prescribed regime for the patient.
SmartStep Software: Special software converts the electrical output signals from the control unit into kilograms or pounds units. Weight (absolute or percentage) can be display on the entire, hind, or fore foot. It allows the clinician to manage patient files, analyze gait parameters, display objective outcomes, display feedback training sessions and monitor rehabilitation process. The SmartStepTM application graphically displays an analysis of patient data, including weight bearing, velocity, cadence, and the correct timing of the gait.
Interactive Multimedia Training – Enhance Patient Compliance: Multimedia games provided with the system can be used to enhance the enjoyment and interest of the patient and maintain a high compliance rate in device use.