I Know Parkinson’s by the Gait: Samara Scientists Develop Gait Monitoring System

Specialists at Samara State Medical University under the Russian Ministry of Health are developing a system that uses web cameras and computer vision to objectively assess the condition of a patient’s lower limbs during rehabilitation.

In practical terms, researchers are turning a standard laptop camera into a precision measurement tool, the university’s press service told IT-Russia.

Useful for Patients, Doctors, and Athletes

According to Alexander Zakharov, director of the university’s Research Institute of Neurosciences, the solution is built on computer vision technology. The system provides precise angular measurements in real time, automatically compares indicators between the left and right limbs, tracks rehabilitation progress, and generates structured reports.

The platform is intended for patients undergoing home rehabilitation and therapeutic exercise monitoring. For rehabilitation physicians, it offers an objective way to assess progress and remotely supervise patients. Sports specialists can use it to analyze movement technique and prevent injuries. Neurologists may also benefit — particularly for early detection of disorders such as Parkinson’s disease through gait analysis.

Detecting Biomechanical Deviations

Researchers are currently developing a prototype. Two functional software modules are already complete. The first analyzes gait parameters and identifies biomechanical deviations, including those associated with neurological disorders. The second quantitatively evaluates joint range of motion in the lower limbs in real time and automatically compares symmetry between the left and right sides.

Earlier reports noted that a robotic rehabilitation complex called Krisaf has begun operating at the Kemerovo Regional Children’s Hospital. The system is designed to support children with cerebral palsy and post-traumatic conditions.