STAPPONE Medical: Precise Support in MS Therapy at the Neurocentrum Odenwald
STAPPONE Medical: Precise Support in MS Therapy at the Neurocentrum Odenwald
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a complex disease affecting the central nervous system, causing a variety of symptoms. One of the most common and burdensome consequences is impaired walking ability. The Neurocentrum Odenwald, a practice specializing in neurological and psychiatric conditions, relies on state-of-the-art technologies like STAPPONE Medical to better analyze the course of the disease and adjust therapy on an individual basis.
The Gait Analysis Process
For MS patients, evaluating walking ability is an important part of diagnostics and therapy adjustments. During initial and follow-up visits at the Neurocentrum Odenwald, patients receive a special questionnaire to provide information about perceived gait impairments. They also undergo a comprehensive gait analysis using STAPPONE Medical sensor insoles. These insoles are placed in the shoes and allow precise measurement of pressure distribution and walking patterns.
Patients walk a distance of approximately 54 meters, while the sensor insoles record the load in real-time. Next, the patients’ physical endurance is tested: they walk an incline of about 1–1.5 kilometers to assess stamina and the effects of exertion on gait. After this effort, the 54-meter route is walked again, and differences in walking patterns are documented.
Key Insights from Gait Analysis
This approach provides precise information on whether the patient is experiencing only a perceived change in their gait or if there are measurable deteriorations. Gait analysis is especially valuable in the examination of fatigue, a common MS symptom. Fatigue manifests as a significant lack of physical and mental energy, which is often not immediately visible. By comparing the walking load before and after exertion, subtle changes can be detected that are barely noticeable to the naked eye.
The STAPPONE sensor insoles track whether pressure distribution remains unchanged after exertion or if weaknesses in the gait pattern appear, indicating fatigue or other limitations. This information helps treating physicians make a precise diagnosis and further optimize therapy.
Therapy Adjustment and Long-Term Monitoring
Based on the gait analysis, therapy is tailored to the patient’s individual needs. For example, if the walking distance significantly decreases—such as when a patient reports that they could walk 10 kilometers last year but can now only manage 3 kilometers—this can be a sign of MS progression. In such cases, medication therapy is often re-evaluated and adjusted to slow the disease’s progression and improve quality of life.
Gait analysis with STAPPONE Medical is repeated every 12 months and earlier if needed, for example, if patients report worsening gait issues. This allows continuous monitoring of recovery progress. Combined with neurological tests, cognitive assessments, and fine motor skill tests, the Neurocentrum Odenwald provides comprehensive care for MS patients. Additionally, gait analysis helps detect whether there are orthopedic causes for gait changes alongside neurological problems.
Conclusion: Precision for Better Therapy
STAPPONE Medical is an important component of MS therapy at the Neurocentrum Odenwald, offering valuable information for treatment through precise gait analysis. The combination of cutting-edge technology, regular monitoring, and individualized therapy adjustments ensures that MS patients receive the best possible care and that disease progression is optimally monitored. By accurately capturing physical stress and tracking gait changes, doctors can respond effectively to progress or deterioration, ultimately improving patients’ quality of life in the long term.
STAPPONE products offer patients, doctors, and therapists valuable support in faster rehabilitation, objective diagnosis, and comprehensive treatment. Do you have questions about the product? Contact us – we are happy to help!
