Expanding our ability to assess and modify movement in real-world settings

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Gait (walking or running) is a fundamental component of human physical function. However, gait patterns are not stable over time, and can change due to alterations in the structure and function of muscles, bones, or our senses over time. Importantly, voluntary changes to our gait patterns - termed gait modifications - may be necessary in response to, or in advance of, these structural and functional changes in an effort to optimize overall physical function. Our research group has been established as leaders in gait modification research. Our recent research has shown that changing specific aspects of one's gait pattern can have predictable effects elsewhere. For example, modifying how one places their foot when it contacts the ground can change what happens at the knee or hip. We have also conducted research showing what happens if the amount or timing of activation of specific muscles is changed. While the knowledge of the effects of gait modification has advanced greatly in recent years, most gait modification research and practice is confined to laboratory settings. Therefore, how these changes are transferred into real-world, everyday activities is not known. The short-term objectives of the proposed research are to address this very important gap in our knowledge. Our work will capitalize on recent advances in the tracking of movement using wearable technology; this includes our custom-designed shoe system that can monitor foot movements in real-world settings, as well as provide sensory cues required for movement retraining in real-time. Our overall working framework is that how one immediately performs a modified gait pattern in a laboratory setting is not the same as performance in the "real world", and will change over time. Therefore, we do not have a full picture of how movement modification is delivered and performed in everyday life. We aim to probe this through research that combines aspects of movement analysis and training, and innovative wearable technology. People's interest in their own movement and mobility has skyrocketed in recent years, driven largely by the boom in wearable technology products that track multiple human functions. While these products are capable of measuring certain aspects of movement, they are currently unable to easily provide targeted feedback or direct training to change movement, if desired. Our proposed research will provide researchers, clinicians and coaches, industry, and the general public with novel approaches and knowledge to address this, thus permitting people to ultimately take control of their movement performance and modify key characteristics to improve function.