Medical Student Research Forum Posters

• Walking ability is an important marker of overall health1.

• Speed is the most frequently used metric of walking function2-3. However, walking speed is a non-specific metric as it is influenced by multiple factors1.

• Previous work4 has identified key components of bipedal locomotion to develop a Comprehensive Locomotor Index5 (CLI) for objective assessment of walking function in stroke survivors.

• Notably, many presumed healthy controls received submaximal scores on the CLI4-5. On further examination, we found these individuals revealed presence of subclinical pathology across multiple systems.

• Further investigation is needed to determine which elements of the CLI are most affected by specific pathologies.

• Data contributing to development of the CLI were obtained in a dedicated laboratory setting. For a diagnostic tool to become broadly used it needs to become more accessible for patients and providers.