Published: June 7, 2018 | Updated: October 12, 2020
Norton Healthcare now has state-of-the-art technology for monitoring and correcting mobility issues associated with walking patterns, also called gait. The Norton Mobility Lab, located at Norton Women’s & Children’s Hospital, creates a virtual reality experience for patients while tracking their walking pattern.
The lab is designed to help pediatric and adult patients with gait issues caused by injuries or neurological and musculoskeletal conditions. That includes conditions such as stroke, cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury, Parkinson’s disease, incomplete spinal cord injury or multiple sclerosis. It also can help senior patients who have issues with becoming weaker as they age.
Wearable sensors track a patient’s movement on a dual-belt treadmill with overhead suspension. Patients experience an interactive simulation on a massive projector screen, such as walking in a forest, riding on a boat or flying a kite. The technology’s movement-tracking sensors provide physicians with data that help them diagnose patients and document their progress.
Call to make an appointment with Norton Children’s Orthopedics of Louisville.
“This is really going to help a lot of people, especially kids who are motivated by technology,” said Laura K. Jacks, M.D., Norton Children’s Orthopedics of Louisville. “This is another way to motivate patients by making physical therapy more fun and engaging.”
The Norton Mobility Lab is the only one of its kind in Kentucky with such engaging technology.
“Traditionally, gait analysis labs are composed of a room with computers and sensors that monitor how patients walk,” Dr. Jacks said.
The Children’s Hospital Foundation funded the lab, thanks to generous donations from community members like you.
If you have a referral from your provider or want to ask questions about the Norton Mobility Lab, please call 502-559-1862.