Comprehensive Evaluation of Gait Analysis and Kinematics in Adult Degenerative Scoliosis Using Wearable Motion Capture Technologies

BACKGROUND: Traditional gait assessments in adult degenerative scoliosis (ADS) often rely on prohibitively expensive, laboratory-bound optoelectronic systems that lack clinical accessibility. This research aims to independently evaluate both lower limbs using a wearable Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) system, in contrast to studies that employ a unilateral reference, thereby elucidating the unique bilateral asymmetries and dynamic stability patterns exhibited in ADS. METHODS: Gait patterns of 20 ADS patients and 15 healthy controls were analyzed using the Rokoko Smartsuit Pro. Segmental kinematic data were integrated with anthropometric mass distribution models to calculate the total body center of mass (CoM). Spatiotemporal parameters, joint range of motion (RoM), and CoM excursions in three planes were statistically compared between the groups. RESULTS: ADS patients exhibited a cautious gait strategy characterized by significantly reduced step speed, shortened step lengths, and increased step width (p