Ambulation on treadmill as a diagnostic tool for psychogenic gait disorders - a case study

Background: Psychogenic gait disorders are a challenge for the medical professionals both in diagnosis and management because the signs and symptoms demonstrated by the patients are medically unexplainable. Objective: The objective of this case report is to introduce the scope of treadmill ambulation as a diagnosis in cases of psychogenic gait disorders. Methods: A patient was referred to physiotherapy OPD for gait training for her bizarre gait pattern. Quantitative and qualitative analysis of gait was done using GaitRite system as well as on treadmill. Results: We observed that when the patient was made to walk on the treadmill which was a novel task for the individual, there was a major change in the quality of gait to a normal alternate leg pattern. Conclusion: Treadmill ambulation for patients with gait deviations, for whom the disorders are medically unexplainable, will help in early diagnosis of psychogenic gait disorders.