GaitNET

GaitNET began in 2017 as a self-assembled national working group comprised of members with a common interest in the neuro-bio-mechanics of osteoarthritis. GaitNET is a linked consortium of research labs across Canada with common procedures and data-sharing. The primary focus is on quantitative gait analysis (biomechanics and neuromuscular control) and its application to MSK rehab and osteoarthritis.
Primary objectives include:
  • collaborative research
  • national strategic planning
  • digital infrastructure support
GaitNET funding from the MSK Network was allocated during 2020 to further develop the platform & expand capacity. Funding has since been allocated during the years of 2021-24 for maintenance, adding sites/options, increasing collaborations, and day-to-day operations.
2017 – GaitNET-OA Canada National Meeting
In 2017 a national meeting was held to identify important research questions, recommend objective measures and strengthen collaborations. The meeting brought together researchers, clinicians, trainees, consumers and partners to discuss opportunities for a national strategy in gait research. Three major consensus building sessions were undertaken to identify potential national research priorities, discuss current research approaches and opportunities for collaboration.
2018-2019 – GaitNET-OA Canada Feasibility Study

In 2018-2019 a pilot project was developed to demonstrate the feasibility of conducting future prospective multi-centre studies. 10 participants (per site) with knee osteoarthritis had gait biomechanics and electromyography data collected in labs at Western University, Dalhousie University, and the University of British Columbia to establish the feasibility of combining multi-site knee OA gait data with centralized data management, processing and analysis. Multi-site collaboration and data management procedures were developed, and data collection at multiple sites using a semi-standardized protocol was successful, with some challenges in post-processing and combining data identified that were built on for further multi-site initiatives.

2019 – UBC Wearable Sensors for Balance & Movement Summer School
In 2019 the University of British Columbia hosted a summer school on wearables sensors for balance and movement. The summer school brought together 40 trainees from various disciplines across Canada, along with leading researchers and industry partners. Trainees took part in a transdisciplinary project using wearable technology and presented at the end of the week-long session.
2021 – GaitNET-OA Canada Seminar Series
In 2021 the GaitNET-OA Canada Seminar Series was created. A series of webinars were hosted that discussed key concepts in gait biomechanics. The webinars focused on generating engagement and increasing collaboration among researchers and trainees. Both events hosted in 2021 had over 60 attendees from across Canada, the USA, and Europe.
 
Seminars included:
  1. Biomechanics and Osteoarthritis Virtual Symposium presented by Dr. Michael Hunt (UBC), Dr. Cheryl Kozey (Dalhousie), and Dr. Janie Astephen Wilson (McMaster).
  2. Pain and Biomechanics: Implications for Research and Clinical Practice presented by Dr. Tuhina Neogi (Boston University), Dr. Lisa Carlesso (McMaster University), Dr. Katherine Boyer (University of Massachusetts), and Dr. Tim Wideman (McGill University). 
2023 – BJI Showcase Series
The 2023 Bone and Joint Institute (BJI) Showcase Series included a partnership between Western’s BJI and the Canadian MSK Rehab Research Network to present sessions on tracking gait parameters with wearable technology, monitoring intervention adherence with wearable technology, and technology-enabled gait monitoring and modification. Dr. Harvi Hart and Dr. Jesse Charlton provided presentations.
2024 – Leveraging Ultrasound Imaging to Expand the Scope of Traditional Gait Analyses
The 2024 Seminar was held on August 15th via Zoom and included presentations from Dr. Derek Pamukoff, Dr. Matthew Harkey, and Dr. Robert Dima surrounding ultrasound imaging and gait analyses. The session was co-moderated by Dr. Micheal Hunt and Dr. Janie Astephen Wilson.
Ongoing projects:
  • A Pilot Feasibility Multicenter Study to Identify Risk Factors for Progression and Poor Post-Surgical Outcomes in those with End-stage Knee Osteoarthritis awaiting Joint Replacement Surgery: a multi-site knee OA cohort study using markerless gait analysis to inform arthroplasty wait list management involving Dalhousie University, Queen’s University and McMaster University
  • CORK: Clinical and cost Outcomes effectiveness of Rehabilitation interventions for Knee OA
  • MULTIWEDGE: multicenter lateral wedge insoles for managing medial knee OA

Hunt, M. A., Charlton, J. M., Felson, D. T., Liu, A., Chapman, G. J., Graffos, A., & Jones, R. K. (2021). Frontal plane knee alignment mediates the effect of frontal plane rearfoot motion on knee joint load distribution during walking in people with medial knee osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis and Cartilage, 29(5), 678–686. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joca.2021.02.003

Charlton, J. M., Birmingham, T. B., Leitch, K. M., & Hunt, M. A. (2021). Knee-specific gait biomechanics are reliable when collected in multiple laboratories by independent raters. Journal of Biomechanics, 115, 110182–110182. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbiomech.2020.110182

Challenges in Gait Biomechanics research include:
  • Differences between labs with equipment in how data is collected and what measures are used.
  • Underpowered studies: small sample sizes, lack of adherence, challenges with collection and processing of data.
  • Limited translational research: translation from new research into clinical practice is slow.
  • Lack of funding/capacity: MSK conditions account for 10.3% of chronic illness, but only 1.3% of grants are allocated to MSK
Looking ahead:
  • Establishing a feasibility of multicentre studies involving PROMS, biomechanics, imaging, and complex intervention delivery
  • Large and diverse study samples will generalize better to knee OA populations
  • Biomechanics in-lab is gold standard, but alternatives are rising