GRAIL - Interactive gait analysis lab in real time

Future Gait Analysis Lab

GRAIL - Gait Realtime Analysis Interactive Lab

GRAIL is a comprehensive solution for gait training and analysis, which includes:

GRAIL - Gait Realtime Analysis Interactive Lab

GRAIL is a comprehensive solution for gait training and analysis, which includes:

• M-Gait Base sensor treadmill with two independent running belts (for left/right legs), perturbation modes (tilt, push, swing) and adaptive pace, dynamic weight unloading system (optional);
• Integrated high-precision marker motion capture system with 10 Vicon optical cameras;
• 3 video analysis cameras;
• HR (heart rate) sensor and wireless EMG (electromyography) module (*optional);
• Synchronized virtual reality (VR) environment with 180° screen, projection on the track and surround sound system;
• A suite of clinical software (including dynamic prosthesis alignment, left-right comparison, impact loading, dynamic stability, gait adaptability, cognitive dual tasks, push-off training and foot transfer).

GRAIL allows assessment and training in complex conditions to improve (pathological) gait patterns. Real-time feedback in GRAIL allows for analysis and training within a single session.

How GRAIL works

Synchronized virtual reality environments projected onto a curved screen immerse the patient in virtual worlds and a natural walking environment. The treadmill's autonomous pace mode allows the patient to start walking and maintain a comfortable pace, while the treadmill and VR environment work in perfect synchrony. Simulated walking up and down hills, combined with visual effects (stimuli), motivate patients during gait assessment, ultimately providing a "functional gait analysis". An additional benefit is that training can be started after gait analysis, allowing the patient to immediately work on gait quality.

Instead of a traditional large laboratory, GRAIL requires only 25 m2 of space, which is a big advantage. The biggest difference from the common practice of gait analysis is that GRAIL uses a treadmill with a double belt. The complex combines a treadmill with self-regulation, an integrated motion capture system, 3 video cameras and an electromyography (EMG) system. This unique combination allows for the calculation of all gait parameters in real time (spatio-temporal parameters, kinematics, kinetics and muscle activity).

The Gait Offline Analysis Tool, using a real-time human musculoskeletal model, offers intuitive data analysis and facilitates communication with the (medical) specialist and between the specialist and the patient.

All GRAIL components are integrated and synchronized using D-Flow software, making all information available in real time and synchronized with the virtual environment to create direct feedback programs. D-Flow software is at the core of GRAIL and is responsible for synchronized real-time communication with connected devices and synchronized design of the virtual environment on the treadmill.

Why choose GRAIL?

It is fast:

• Full 3D clinical gait analysis within 30 minutes. Faster and better rehabilitation results with gait training in various conditions.

It is real-time:

• All gait parameters are available in real time for monitoring and intervention (spatiotemporal parameters, kinematics and muscle activity).

It is proven:

• GRAIL contains scientifically proven clinical protocols that currently exist.

It is effective:

• Training options ensure 100% utilization.

It is ergonomic:

• A traditional laboratory takes up (on average 88 m2), but GRAIL requires only 25 m2.

It is communicative:

• The Gait Offline Analysis Tool offers intuitive analysis and facilitates communication between specialists and patients.

It is effective:

• GRAIL is used in neurological and orthopedic patients, patients with neuromuscular diseases, the elderly. It is useful in the rehabilitation process for analysis and training.

This motivates:

• Synchronized virtual reality environments projected onto a semi-cylindrical screen immerse the patient in virtual worlds and offer interesting rehabilitation games for walking.