Investigation of Gait Parameters in Health and Neurological Disease Under Varying Locomotor Conditions

In the cross-sectional component of this study, our overall objective is to gather a large pool of data from which we can generate gait "profiles". These profiles will consist of a constellation of gait (+/- electrophysiological) parameters associated with a particular neurological diagnosis or specific lesion(s) in neuroanatomical systems. Once developed, these profiles can be compared for differences and similarities; allowing insights into the specificity of the effect on gait of a given diagnosis or lesion in the case of the former and redundancy of neuroanatomical systems in that of the latter. A longitudinal component of the study will look at the evolution of gait parameters over time in a group of patients with spinal cord injury.

Inclusion Criteria:

Patients:

• age 18 - 80
• written, informed consent
• one of the following established diagnoses: unilateral stroke affecting motor system, Parkinson syndrome, cerebellar disease, vestibular dysfunction, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis
• Brain and whole spine T1, T2 & FLAIR magnetic resonance imaging performed within the last four months and available for study purposes or no contraindications to performing these scans

Healthy subjects:

• age 18 - 80
• written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

Patients:

• Colour-blindness
• Known to be pregnant or breastfeeding
• Body mass index (weight in kg/height in metres squared) >40 Unable to walk 50m within 6 minutes (with or without walking aids) Inability to undertake any component of the trial protocol
• Terminal diagnosis with life expectancy less than six months
• Cognitive disturbance defined as MMSE < 25 Clinically significant comorbidities such as severe cardiovascular, pulmonary or malignant disease

Healthy subjects:

• Colour-blindness
• Known to be pregnant or breastfeeding
• Body mass index (weight in kg/height in metres squared) >40 Unable to walk 50m within 6 minutes
• Reliance on walking aids / prostheses for mobilisation
• Significant neurological or orthopaedic diagnosis with potential impact on gait // Previous operations on the lower limbs or spine with potential impact on gait Inability to undertake any component of the trial protocol Clinically significant conditions such as severe cardiovascular, pulmonary or malignant disease