Smart wearables addressing gait disorders: A review

Gait disorders are disorders related to the movement of a person which often leads to the inability to walk. Wearable technology in the form of consumer smart wearable devices can improve healthcare by addressing gait-related disorders. In the past decade, wearable technology has evolved a great deal. Currently, smartwatches are the widely used form of smart wearables and soft wearables are the promising future-smart wear. In this contemporary and generalized review, we have explored the current standing on the use of smart wearables and soft wearables in resolving gait-associated disorders. In this article, we have summarized our observations which exemplify multiple outcomes in measuring gait parameters, monitoring tremors, associated diagnoses, assisting motions, and improving patient care. We have also discussed the applications of wearables in the context of neurological disorders like Parkinson’s disease and essential tremors which often result in gait disorders. We have extended our discussions to other smart wearables including eyeglasses, textiles and soft flexible wearables.