Donate your Gait
Examination of gait patterns in healthy controls
The Donate your Gait study is investigating the gait of the general population with the aim of analyzing and quantifying normal gait.
Background and objectives
The aim of the study is to examine the gait of people in the general population. The data obtained will serve as reference values for other DZNE studies. Since neurodegenerative diseases often, but not only, occur in older age, this study will analyze exactly how gait patterns change over the course of a lifetime. This research will make it possible to describe exactly what constitutes a healthy gait and how it changes with age. This knowledge will help to better identify diseases and understand their effects on gait.
Overview
Anyone of legal age and capacity who does not have any known gait impairment (neurodegenerative disease such as ataxia, dementia, motor and cerebellar disorders, and sensory or motor neuropathies) and does not require any walking aids (e.g. crutches or walker) can participate. Since the collected data is video recordings, the inclusion of identifying features cannot be avoided. We advise subjects with concerns about video recordings not to participate.
Course of the study
The examinations take place on a single date and take about 25 minutes. After a detailed presentation of the planned measurements by the investigator, an examination of the gait pattern is carried out. The gait examination is recorded with the help of a camera.
Examination of the gait pattern
You will be asked to walk 2-10 meters away from the camera. After reaching the end point, you will turn 180 degrees and walk back towards the camera. This entire sequence of movements will be recorded by a camera, such as an iPad or a similar device. The position of the camera will be chosen so that the entire walking movement can be optimally captured.
You will also be asked to adopt optional gait and standing positions that are typically recorded as part of a neurological examination for neurodegenerative movement disorders.
After recording, the videos will be analyzed using special motion-capturing software. This software recognizes and tracks the movements of the test subjects by identifying important points on the body, such as joints and limbs. This is used to create a digital motion skeleton that maps the body movements in the form of 3D coordinates. This motion skeleton serves as the basis for further analysis and is then stored so that it can be used for later examinations and comparisons. Participants are also asked to complete an optional self-disclosure form in which their weight, gender, height and age are recorded.
A summary of the information is provided in this flyer.
Principle Investigator: PD Dr. Jennifer Faber
Start of the study: Q1/2025
Status: monocentric (DZNE Bonn), recruiting activ
Study coordination / Project management
Philipp Wegner
philipp.wegner(at)dzne.de
Anna Esser
anna.esser(at)dzne.de