The researchers in Rutgers have connected the dot between genetic disorders such as Fragile X and SHANK3 deletion syndrome with the various walking patterns found in the common man.
The syndromes known to have been linked with autism and health problems were found by examining microscopic movements in the waking patterns of those who wore motion-censored sneakers.
Links To Genetic Disorder Found In Walking Pattern
The human body has a particular genetic order that forms the body and helps him counter various diseases. In many cases, this order is also responsible for health issues.
Hence it is known as the Pandora box that can help the expert know one’s medical history and even diseases that may happen in the future.
In the latest research, the experts have come up with a study where they can find probable health disorders leading to various health issues from one’s style of walking. They have studied a wide range of samples from different geographical locations to have in-depth research.
In a recent study published in the journal Scientific Reports, they are able to identify gait problems after almost 15-20 years before their clinical diagnosis and hence would be critical in helping preserve the brain.
“Walking patterns can be a revealing trait of health, but gait symptoms of disorders like Fragile X can escape the naked eye for years until they are visibly noticeable,” as quoted by the co-author in the study, Elisabeth Torres, a professor in psychology at Rudgers University.
She also stated that “Given issues with anatomical differences—such as people with longer or shorter limbs—and disease complexity, it has remained challenging to use walking patterns to screen nervous system disorders more broadly, across disorders impacting people of different ages and developmental stages.”
As per studies conducted by the National Fragile X Foundation, 1 in 468 and 1 in 151 as abnormal gene carriers that often lead to Fragile X and that by The National Organization for Rare Disorders, notes over 30 percentage of the SHANK3 deletion people require 2-3 studies before the deletion is detected.
The estimated prevalence is 2.5 -10 per million births, with equal chances of both genders being affected. The findings of Torres and Theo Berbidis and that of the wearable motion censored sneakers by Stevens Institute of Technology Collaborators helped examine the microscopic movements.
The examiners used various inputs such as video, heart rates, and fit bits and linked with gait data after a short experiment of simple walking. They analyzed the spikes in micromovements and their rate. Their discovery enables a framework forecasting the early signs of disorder in healthy young adults and that too with either from Fragile X carriers and normal people.
“Given that Fragile X and SHANK3-related syndromes remain high in other neurological conditions such as autism, Fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome, and Parkinson’s, this is an important way to detect signs of abnormal patterns,” quoted the lead author Berbidis.
As per this study, gait departures due to aging; however, the hip, knee, ankle joints, thigh, leg, and foot bones are the most impacted by the same.
Modern-day doctors face trouble while diagnosing a first-time patient depicting symptoms of unusual gait. However, the studies of Torres and Berberis, along with the biosensors, can be a real eye-opener.
The study co-authors included present and ex-students of the Rudgers institute, Steven Institute of Technology, Colombia University, Colombia University Medical Centre, New York Presbyterian-Colombia University, Irving Medical Centre, and the Colombian University college of Physicians and Surgeons.
The study was financed by the New Jersey Governor’s Council for the Medical Research and Treatments of Autism and the Nancy Lurie Marks Family Foundation Career Development Award to EBT.
