The Role of Sensor Based Insole as a Rehabilitation Tool in Improving Walking among the Patients with Lower Limb Arthroplasty: A Protocol for Systematic Review

Objectives: The purpose of this review protocol is to assess the role of sensor based insole in improving walking in patients with lower limb arthroplasty and to rule out the demand and advantage of sensor based insole in utilizing such types of problems at clinical setup.

Methodology: A systematic review will be conducted by two independent reviewers who will search articles using electronic search for publications in seven databases: Google Scholar, Index Copernicus, JSTOR, PubMed/Medline, Science Direct, Scopus and Web of Science. After applying the selection criteria, study papers published between the years 2001 to 2019 will be selected. Studies of human participants of 45-75 years of age having history of lower limb arthroplasty will be eligible. All the study papers will be analyzed using Modified Downs and Black scale and scores will be awarded for the items selected on a 27 point scale.

Findings: The findings of this review will be disseminated through presentations and peer-reviewed publication. The systematic review will direct the attention of the physiotherapists to assess and evaluate the patient’s walking pattern, as alterations in the biomechanics of joints of lower limb can produce far-reaching effects in the ideal or normal gait. The results of this review will provide evidence regarding changes in gait parameters in patients with lower limb arthroplasty and this information will be useful in planning for rehabilitation in improving walking of patients after lower limb arthroplasty.

Novelty: Many studies have been carried on sensor insole technology for monitoring gait. However, there is scarcity of literature based on the systematic reviews on the use of smart sensor insole in improving walking among patients with lower limb arthroplasty.