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GaitSmart rehabilitation exercise programme for gait and mobility issues

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1 Recommendations

1.1 GaitSmart rehabilitation exercise programme shows promise for gait and mobility issues in people at risk of falls, and people having hip or knee replacements. But there is not enough evidence to support the case for routine adoption. So, it is only recommended for use in research.

1.2 Further research is needed on the clinical effectiveness of GaitSmart, including:

  • studies with larger populations

  • comparative studies

  • studies that investigate using GaitSmart alongside standard care

  • drop-out rates and adherence.

Why the committee made these recommendations

The clinical evidence on GaitSmart in people at risk of falls, and people having hip or knee replacements is limited. 11 studies were identified as relevant to GaitSmart, but only 3 measured the effect of GaitSmart in people at risk of falls, and only 1 measured the effect in people having hip or knee replacements. Just 1 of the studies in people at risk of falls has been peer reviewed, and none compared GaitSmart to standard care. The one study in people having hip or knee replacements was small and has not been peer reviewed. The cost analysis shows that GaitSmart is cost saving compared with standard care. But the clinical benefits and costs of GaitSmart combined with standard care compared with standard care alone are unknown. So, more research is needed.