Inertial Measurement Units to evaluate the efficacity of Equino Varus Foot surgery in post stroke hemiparetic patients

Abstract Introduction This study evaluates the gait analysis obtained by IMU before and after surgical management of Spastic Equino Varus Foot in hemiplegic post-stroke patients and to compare it with the functional results obtained in a monocentric prospective cohort. Methods Patients with post-stroke equinovarus foot, who underwent surgery in a single hospital between November 2019 and December 2021 were included. The follow-up duration was 6 months and included a functional analysis using Goal Atteinment Scale and a Gait analysis using an innovative Multidimensional Gait Evaluation using IMU: the semiogram. Results 20 patients had a gait analysis preoperatively and at 6 months postoperatively. 90% (18/20) patients had a functional improvement and 50% (10/20) had an improvement in walking technique as evidenced by the cessation of the use of a walking aid. Considering the semiogram, the measurement of the area weighted by average speed demonstrated very good reproducibility (ICC(1, 3) = 0.80). In the group with a positive functional outcome (GAS T score ≥ 50), the change in the area was + 9.5%, sd = 27.5% for the group with modification of walking aid, and + 15.4%, sd = 28% in the group without change of walking aid. For the 3 experiences (two patients) with unfavorable results, the area under the curve changed by + 2.3%, -10.2% and − 9.5%. Discussion IMUs appear to be a promising solution for the assessment of post-stroke hemiplegic patients who have undergone SEVF surgery. They can provide a quantified, objective, reliable in individual longitudinal follow up automated gait analysis solution for routine clinical use. Combined with a functional scale such as the GAS, they can provide a global analysis of the effect of surgery.