“Xund blieba”: Staying healthy at work with smart gait analysis
“Xund blieba”: Staying healthy at work with smart gait analysis
More healthy years of life for the people of Vorarlberg – this is the shared goal of the Province of Vorarlberg and the social insurance institutions. The newly presented health promotion strategy, “Xund blieba”, introduced at the end of April, focuses on targeted measures for prevention, early detection, and the promotion of a healthy lifestyle.
A current example of this strategy in action is an innovative project at the Vorarlberg Road Maintenance Department, conducted in collaboration with stappone and physiotherapist Klemens Troy.
Gait analysis with sensor insoles instead of symptom treatment
On May 21 and 22, 2025, physiotherapist Klemens Troy from Physiotherapie Vorderwald conducted preventive gait analyses with employees of the road maintenance department. He used a certified medical device: intelligent sensor insoles from stappone.
The goal was to detect abnormalities in gait patterns at an early stage and recommend individualized therapeutic interventions when needed. Misalignments or incorrect loading, often unnoticed in everyday life, can lead to serious long-term health issues. This is exactly where the digital analysis comes in.
Problem detected – Relief delivered
One practical example demonstrates the effectiveness of the method: an asymmetrical gait load was identified in a participant — with no acute symptoms, but with a long-term risk to joints and muscles. Based on the precise data from the analysis, targeted pronation supports were recommended, resulting in immediate relief in daily work activities.
“As a rule, the body compensates for imbalances for years – often without us noticing,” says Peter Krimmer, CEO of stappone. “A gait analysis raises awareness and supports healthier, more stable movement.”
Strategy that delivers
The project is part of the comprehensive “Xund blieba” strategy, which has been in place since 2013 and was updated in 2022. It outlines 20 strategic objectives and focuses especially on children, adolescents, and older adults – but also on companies that invest in the health of their employees.
Starting in 2024, approximately €1.8 million from the Vorarlberg Health Promotion Fund (GFF) is available for implementation, supplemented by additional regional funding. Innovative projects like the one at the road maintenance department can thus be successfully rolled out and continuously developed.
Transparency and momentum for a healthy future
The implementation of “Xund blieba” is continuously monitored and supported by online documentation, which provides insight into ongoing and planned health initiatives. The goal is clear: to improve the quality of life in Vorarlberg in the long term – through practical measures, smart technologies, and strong partnerships.
“Health affects all areas of life – and it requires well-connected, future-oriented initiatives. We are proud to contribute to the strategy with our gait analysis,” concludes Peter Krimmer.
Healthy workplaces – with the right prevention
Prevention at work doesn’t have to be complicated. Digital tools like gait analysis with sensor insoles bring medical precision directly into the professional environment – a valuable step toward a healthier future.
