Market Trends of Gait Trainer Industry
The Neurological Disorder Segment is Expected to Hold a Major Market Share in the Gait Trainer Market Over the Forecast Period.
A gait trainer is used in the treatment of various neurological diseases such as cerebral palsy, spinal cord injuries, muscular dystrophy, Parkinson's disease, and multiple sclerosis, as these disorders lead to severe disability and affect motor, sensory, automatic, and neurocognitive functions. The high burden of neurological disorders such as cerebral palsy and multiple sclerosis is expected to drive the neurological disorder segment. The rising research studies involving gait trainers also contribute to the segment's growth during the forecast period.
For instance, according to a report published by the Neuroepidemiology Journal in December 2023, in Portugal, the prevalence of multiple sclerosis was 64 cases per 100,000 individuals, with an incidence rate of 3.1 cases per 100,000 individuals per year.
Additionally, novel technological advancements by various market players may contribute to the growth of the studied segment during the forecast period. For example, in October 2022, Technopark-incubated startup Genrobotics developed a robot-assisted gait training solution called G-Gaiter for the faster rehabilitation of paraplegic patients. G-Gaiter helps people recover from paraplegic conditions brought on by spinal cord injuries, strokes, Parkinson's, multiple sclerosis, and cerebral palsy.
Similarly, in October 2023, TEDIRO GmbH launched its mobile robot for gait trainers, THERY. It is a mobile robot that enables patients to complete autonomous gait training on forearm supports without the assistance of a therapist. Such technologically advanced launches are expected to drive the growth of the studied segment during the forecast period, as well as exergaming studies, which were associated with changes in balance and quality of life.
Therefore, technological advancements in robotic gait trainers are significantly driving growth in the neurological disorder treatment segment, supported by innovations aimed at enhancing rehabilitation outcomes for conditions like spinal cord injuries, strokes, and cerebral palsy.
North America is Expected to Hold a Significant Share in the Market During the Forecast Period
North America is anticipated to hold a significant market share owing to various factors, such as the high prevalence of neurological and musculoskeletal disorders, the rising number of road accidents, the increasing number of product launches, and the high concentration of market players in the region.
For instance, according to a report published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in February 2024, in 2022, the age-adjusted prevalence of diagnosed arthritis among adults stood at 18.9%. Women exhibited a higher likelihood of arthritis at 21.5%, compared to men at 16.1%. Furthermore, there was a notable increase in arthritis prevalence corresponding with age, starting at 3.6% among adults aged 18–34 and peaking at 53.9% among individuals aged 75 and above. These statistics underscore the importance of targeted strategies for arthritis management and prevention, particularly among demographic segments where prevalence rates are elevated.
Similarly, the high number of road accidents is also propelling the growth of the gait trainer market in the region. For instance, according to a report published by the Government of Canada in May 2024, the number of injuries due to accidents in Canada was 118.85 thousand in 2022. The high number of injuries from road accidents is driving demand for gait trainers in the market, as they are essential rehabilitation tools for patients recovering from mobility impairments caused by such injuries.
Moreover, the increasing number of clinical trial studies in the region utilizing gait trainers has also contributed significantly to market growth. For instance, a report published by the BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine in November 2022 included 20 runners suffering from exercise-related lower leg pain. The study found that combining home exercises (HEs) with outdoor gait training improved self-reported pain, function, and movement patterns during outdoor running more than HEs alone. This study was sponsored by the University of Virginia. Hence, the rising number of clinical trials involving gait training is expected to drive market growth in the region.
Therefore, the market growth in North America is expected to accelerate during the forecast period, owing to several factors, such as the high number of accidents and rising clinical trial activities for gait trainers.
