Slocum Starts iPhone Pilot Study for Ankle Fracture Patients
Can iPhone gait metrics be used to benchmark functional recovery after ankle fracture?
The newly available iPhone gait metrics provide a first-ever opportunity to add an objective measurement of recovery to the clinical evaluation. Gait metrics, historically captured in motion analysis laboratories using expensive specialized equipment (high-speed cameras and strain gauge force plates), are new to the Apple iOS operating system and are automatically captured when carrying the iPhone in a hand or pocket.
For the first time we are able to access both pre- and post-fracture gait metrics and functional status. Aided by a grant from the Orthopedic Trauma Association (OTA), we are evaluating if iPhone gait metrics can be used to benchmark functional recovery after ankle fracture. We will prospectively enroll 80 patients presenting with ankle fracture and gain consent to access gait metrics. Mean gait speed (primary outcome), step length, gait asymmetry, double-support time (secondary outcomes), will be calculated one month prior to injury (baseline), and at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 and 6 months post-fracture. Participants will complete the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) and PROMIS Physical Function (PF) questionnaires at 6 weeks, 3 and 6 months to examine the association between gait metrics and functional outcome scores. Some participants will participate in additional gait analysis at the Bowerman Sports Science Center.
This project is a collaboration between the Slocum Research & Education Foundation and the University of Oregon Bowerman Sports Science Center. We are so excited to partner with Alternova, Inc., a software developer building our application within CardinalKit, the Stanford Byers Center for Biodesign's innovative, scalable, and open-source solution for accelerating development of digital health applications.
We anticipate our approach will lead to significant learning about ankle fracture recovery patterns, not previously possible at a population-level.
