Open AccessDifference in eye movements during gait analysis between professionals and trainees
Author(s) -
Kazuhiro Hayashi,
Shuichi Aono,
M. Fujiwara,
Yukiko Shiro,
Takahiro Ushida
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
plos one
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.99
H-Index - 332
ISSN - 1932-6203
DOI - 10.1371/journal.pone.0232246
Subject(s) - fixation (population genetics) , eye movement , gait , physical medicine and rehabilitation , physical therapy , medicine , psychology , ophthalmology , population , environmental health
Observational gait analysis is a widely used skill in physical therapy. Meanwhile, the skill has not been investigated using objective assessments. The present study investigated the differences in eye movement between professionals and trainees, while observing gait analysis. Methods The participants included in this study were 26 professional physical therapists and 26 physical therapist trainees. The participants, wearing eye tracker systems, were asked to describe gait abnormalities of a patient as much as possible. The eye movement parameters of interest were fixation count, average fixation duration, and total fixation duration. Results The number of gait abnormalities described was significantly higher in professionals than in trainees, overall and in limbs of the patient. The fixation count was significantly higher in professionals when compared to trainees. Additionally, the average fixation duration and total fixation duration were significantly shorter in professionals. Conversely, in trunks, the number of gait abnormalities and eye movements showed no significant differences between groups. Conclusions Professionals require shorter fixation durations on areas of interest than trainees, while describing a higher number of gait abnormalities.