Pilot evaluation of wearable tactile biofeedback system for gait rehabilitation in peripheral neuropathy

Peripheral neuropathy (PN) is a significant public health concern, giving rise to abnormal gait biomechanics, diminished postural stability, and increased risk of falls. A wearable tactile feedback system previously developed for sensory augmentation of prosthetic limbs has been adapted for individuals with PN and evaluated in a pilot group of four subjects with idiopathic bilateral PN. Subjects were assessed both for their abilities to perceive and distinguish tactile stimuli, and for the effect of tactile biofeedback on gait, using optical motion capture and embedded force plate technology. Preliminary data indicate that participants could adequately perceive and localize tactile stimuli, as well as make meaningful modifications to their gait in real time, with minimal training. Observed gait modifications with feedback active included increases in walking speed, step cadence, step length, and peak joint powers. However, the variability of biofeedback's effect on gait from subject to subject demands further investigation with the peripheral neuropathy patient population.