News & Media

Congratulations to CU PM&R faculty Amy Bodkin, PT, PhD, PCS and Aaron Powell, MD who were recently awarded the CU PM&R Research Pilot Award. Their study will aim to collect foot pressures during walking in 40 children with spina bifida using traditional optical motion capture and plantar pressure techniques. By validating algorithms to mask plantar pressures, the team can use the simple plantar pressure technology to obtain basic gait parameters in people with movement disabilities. With an existing database of >140 children with spina bifida, the team will use the valid automated processing techniques to track longitudinal changes in walking ability and foot pressure distribution. This may help identify ways to improve or maintain walking ability in patients with spina bifida.