Improving Mobility and Gait Quality in Veterans with Lower Limb Loss Using Mobile Health Technology — APTA CSM 2023

Symsack A, Haynes J, Gaunaurd I, Clemens S, Gruenhagen Lucarevic J, Bennet C, Isaacson B, Pasquina P, Gailey R

Abstract selected for a podium presentation at 2023 American Physical Therapy Association Combined Sections Meeting in San Diego, California

Veterans with lower limb loss (LLL) face many challenges (time and cost) to receive appropriate prosthetic training and exercises that could improve their gait quality and functional mobility. The VA and DoD supported the development of the Mobile Device Outcomes-based Rehabilitation Program (MDORP). MDORP is a comprehensive mobile rehabilitation program that includes a wearable sensor system called the Rehabilitative Lower Limb Orthopedic Assistive Device (ReLOAD). The ReLOAD system assesses gait and provides real-time audio feedback during home walks to correct specific gait deviations and subsequently recommend targeted exercises. The purpose of this study was to examine the changes in mobility, gait quality, and strength for lower functioning Veterans with LLL after completing the 8-week MDOR Pprogram