Study on the balance and gait characteristics of patients with generalized joint hypermobility in high- altitude areas using wearable devices

Abstract PURPOSE To explore the balance and gait function characteristics of Generalized Joint Hypermobility (GJH) patients in high-altitude environments. METHODS In this study, 61 university students (GJH: 28, healthy: 33) were recruited in Linzhi City, Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR). An intelligent rehabilitation assessment and training system (Riablo™) was used to assess the static balance with eyes opened and closed, and gait function with flat walking of the two groups of subjects. RESULTS Compared with healthy subjects, GJH subjects showed significantly impaired balance, reflected by increased distance of center of pressure position from the ideal center of gravity (SWAY) and amplitude of center of pressure sagittal plane displacements (RMS). Gait velocity, stride length, and swing stance of gait cycle were significantly smaller compared to the healthy subjects. A significant increasement was found for flat-foot of gait cycle compared to the control subjects. CONCLUSION The current study demonstrated that patients with GJH in high-altitude environments exhibit impairments in balance and gait using wearable devices, providing a foundation for training and prevention of GJH in high-altitude environments. At the same time, it also provides a reference for joint detection methods in high-altitude environments. Trial registration Controlled Trials No.102772023RT133, Registered 13 October 2023