Spatio-temporal gait parameters obtained from foot-worn inertial sensors are reliable in healthy adults in single- and dual-task conditions

AbstractInertial measurement units (IMUs) are increasingly popular and may be usable in clinical routine to assess gait. However, assessing their intra-session reliability is crucial and has not been tested with foot-worn sensors in healthy participants. The aim of this study was to assess the intra-session reliability of foot-worn IMUs for measuring gait parameters in healthy adults. Twenty healthy participants were enrolled in the study and performed the 10-m walk test in single- and dual-task ('carrying a full cup of water') conditions, three trials per condition. IMUs were used to assess spatiotemporal gait parameters, gait symmetry parameters (symmetry index (SI) and symmetry ratio (SR)), and dual task effects parameters. The relative and the absolute reliability were calculated for each gait parameter. Results showed that spatiotemporal gait parameters measured with foot-worn inertial sensors were reliable; symmetry gait parameters relative reliability was low, and SR showed better absolute reliability than SI; dual task effects were poorly reliable, and taking the mean of the second and the third trials was the most reliable. Foot-worn IMUs are reliable to assess spatiotemporal and symmetry ratio gait parameters but symmetry index and DTE gait parameters reliabilities were low and need to be interpreted with cautious by clinicians and researchers.

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Foot-Worn Inertial Sensors Are Reliable to Assess Spatiotemporal Gait Parameters in Axial Spondyloarthritis under Single and Dual Task Walking in Axial Spondyloarthritis

Sensors ◽

10.3390/s20226453 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 20 (22) ◽

pp. 6453

Author(s):

Julie Soulard ◽

Jacques Vaillant ◽

Romain Balaguier ◽

Athan Baillet ◽

Philippe Gaudin ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Dual Task ◽

Axial Spondyloarthritis ◽

Inertial Sensors ◽

Intraclass Correlation ◽

Correlation Coefficients ◽

Relative Reliability ◽

Gait Parameters ◽

The Mean ◽

Task Conditions ◽

Absolute Reliability

The aim of this study was (1) to evaluate the relative and absolute reliability of gait parameters during walking in single- and dual-task conditions in patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA), (2) to evaluate the absolute and relative reliability of dual task effects (DTE) parameters, and (3) to determine the number of trials required to ensure reliable gait assessment, in patients with axSpA. Twenty patients with axSpa performed a 10-m walk test in single- and dual-task conditions, three times for each condition. Spatiotemporal, symmetry, and DTE gait parameters were calculated from foot-worn inertial sensors. The relative reliability (intraclass correlation coefficients-ICC) and absolute reliability (standard error of measurement-SEM and minimum detectable change-MDC) were calculated for these parameters in each condition. Spatiotemporal gait parameters showed good to excellent reliability in both conditions (0.59 < ICC < 0.90). The reliability of symmetry and DTE parameters was low. ICC, SEM, and MDC were better when using the mean of the second and the third trials. Spatiotemporal gait parameters obtained from foot-worn inertial sensors assessed in patients with axSpA in single- and dual-task conditions are reliable. However, symmetry and DTE parameters seem less reliable and need to be interpreted with caution. Finally, better reliability of gait parameters was found when using the mean of the 2nd and the 3rd trials.

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Deficits in Selective Attention Alter Gait in Frail Older Adults

GeroPsych ◽

10.1024/1662-9647/a000137 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 29 (1) ◽

pp. 29-36 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Véronique Cornu ◽

Jean-Paul Steinmetz ◽

Carine Federspiel

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Nursing Home ◽

Selective Attention ◽

Dual Task ◽

Nursing Home Residents ◽

Gait Rehabilitation ◽

Rehabilitation Programs ◽

Gait Parameters ◽

Growing Body ◽

Task Conditions

Abstract. A growing body of research demonstrates an association between gait disorders, falls, and attentional capacities in older adults. The present work empirically analyzes differences in gait parameters in frail institutionalized older adults as a function of selective attention. Gait analysis under single- and dual-task conditions as well as selective attention measures were collected from a total of 33 nursing-home residents. We found that differences in selective attention performances were related to the investigated gait parameters. Poorer selective attention performances were associated with higher stride-to-stride variabilities and a slowing of gait speed under dual-task conditions. The present findings suggest a contribution of selective attention to a safe gait. Implications for gait rehabilitation programs are discussed.

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Temporal and spatial gait parameters in children with Cri du Chat Syndrome under single and dual task conditions

Gait & Posture ◽

10.1016/j.gaitpost.2016.08.006 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 50 ◽

pp. 47-52 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Laurel D. Abbruzzese ◽

Rachel Salazar ◽

Maddie Aubuchon ◽

Ashwini K. Rao

Keyword(s):

Dual Task ◽

Cri Du Chat Syndrome ◽

Gait Parameters ◽

Temporal And Spatial ◽

Task Conditions

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Comparison of different symmetry indices for the quantification of dynamic joint angles

BMC Sports Science Medicine and Rehabilitation ◽

10.1186/s13102-021-00355-4 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Hannah Lena Siebers ◽

Waleed Alrawashdeh ◽

Marcel Betsch ◽

Filippo Migliorini ◽

Frank Hildebrand ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Reference Values ◽

Lower Limb ◽

Healthy Individuals ◽

Joint Angles ◽

Gait Symmetry ◽

Rehabilitation Process ◽

Symmetry Index ◽

Measurement Models ◽

Symmetry Function ◽

Healthy Participants

Abstract Background Symmetry is a sign of physiological and healthy movements, as pathologies are often described by increased asymmetries. Nevertheless, based on precisely measured data, even healthy individuals will show small asymmetries in their movements. However, so far there do not exist commonly accepted methods and reference values for gait symmetry in a healthy collective. Therefore, a comparison and presentation of reference values calculated by 3 different methods of symmetry indices for lower limb joint angles during walking, ascending, and descending stairs were shown. Methods Thirty-five healthy participants were analyzed during walking, ascending, and descending stairs with the help of the inertial measurement system MyoMotion. Using the normalized symmetry index (SInorm), the symmetry index (SI) as the integral of the symmetry function, and another normalized symmetry index (NSI), the symmetry of joint angles was evaluated. For statistical evaluation of differences, repeated measurement models and Bland–Altman-Plots were used. Results Apart from a bias between the symmetry indices, they were comparable in the predefined limits of 5%. For all parameters, significantly higher asymmetry was found for ankle dorsi/-plantarflexion, compared with the hip and knee flexion. Moreover, the interaction effect of the joint and movement factors was significant, with an increased asymmetry of the hip and knee during descending stairs greater than while ascending stairs or walking, but a reduced symmetry of the ankle during walking when compared to descending. The movement only showed significant effects when analyzing the SInorm. Conclusion Even for healthy individuals, small asymmetries of movements were found and presented as reference values using 3 different symmetry indices for dynamic lower limb joint angles during 3 different movements. For the quantification of symmetrical movements differences between the joints, movements, and especially their interaction, are necessary to be taken into account. Moreover, a bias between the methods should be noted. The potential for each presented symmetry index to identify pathological movements or track a rehabilitation process was shown but has to be proven in further research. Trial registration: DRKS00025878.

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Effect of Dual-Task Conditions on Gait Performance during Timed Up and Go Test in Children with Traumatic Brain Injury

Rehabilitation Research and Practice ◽

10.1155/2018/2071726 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 2018 ◽

pp. 1-7

Author(s):

Rabiatul Adawiah Abdul Rahman ◽

Fazira Rafi ◽

Fazah Akhtar Hanapiah ◽

Azlina Wati Nikmat ◽

Nor Azira Ismail ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Traumatic Brain Injury ◽

Brain Injury ◽

Dual Task ◽

Cognitive Task ◽

Typically Developing ◽

Typically Developing Children ◽

Timed Up And Go ◽

Gait Performance ◽

Gait Parameters ◽

Task Conditions

Background. Tasks requiring simultaneous mobility and cognition (dual tasks) have been associated with incidence of falls. Although these deficits have been documented in individuals with neurologic disorder, the effect of dual task in children with traumatic brain injury has not been fully explored. Objective. To investigate the effect of dual-task (dual-motor and dual-cognitive task) conditions on spatiotemporal gait parameters during timed up and go test in children with traumatic brain injury. Methods and Material. A total of 14 children with traumatic brain injury and 21 typically developing children participated in this case-control study. Functional balance was assessed before the actual testing to predict the risk of falls. Timed up and go test was performed under single-task and dual-task (dual-motor and dual-cognitive task) conditions. Spatiotemporal gait parameters were determined using the APDM Mobility Lab system. The descriptive statistics and t-test were used to analyze demographic characteristics and repeated measure ANOVA test was used to analyze the gait parameters. Results. Under dual-task (dual-motor and dual-cognitive task) conditions during the timed up and go test, gait performance significantly deteriorated. Furthermore, the total time to complete the timed up and go test, stride velocity, cadence, and step time during turning were significantly different between children with traumatic brain injury and typically developing children. Conclusions. These findings suggest that gait parameters were compromised under dual-task conditions in children with traumatic brain injury. Dual-task conditions may become a component of gait training to ensure a complete and comprehensive rehabilitation program.

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A-26 Performance on Design Fluency and Visuoperception Measures is Related to Single and Dual Task Treadmill Gait Parameters in Healthy Adults

Archives of Clinical Neuropsychology ◽

10.1093/arclin/acz034.26 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 34 (6) ◽

pp. 885-885

Author(s):

L Wadia ◽

C Higginson ◽

M Bifano ◽

K Seymour ◽

R Orr ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Dual Task ◽

Stride Length ◽

Block Design ◽

Healthy Adults ◽

Step Width ◽

Single Task ◽

Gait Characteristics ◽

Gait Parameters ◽

Design Fluency ◽

Task Step

Abstract Objective Research suggests a link between gait and cognition. Executive functions have been related to gait speed, however the relation between design fluency and visuoperception and other spatiotemporal gait characteristics that are related to falling is unclear. The objective of the study was to determine whether performance on design fluency and visuoperception tasks is related to spatiotemporal gait parameters during single and dual task treadmill walking in a sample of healthy adults. Method Nineteen healthy adults averaging 40 years of age completed cognitive measures of design fluency, visual attention, and visuoperception. They underwent gait analysis while walking on an instrumented treadmill in single task and dual task conditions. Results Performance on Spatial Span significantly correlated with single task stride length, r = 0.47, p = 0.043. Performance on Block Design significantly correlated with dual task stride length, r = 0.46, p = 0.049. Performance on Design Fluency significantly correlated with single task stride length variability, r = -0.50, p = 0.030, dual task stride length variability, r = -0.62, p = 0.005, and dual task step width variability, r = -0.56, p = 0.012. Performance on Picture Completion also correlated with dual task step width variability, r = -0.54, p = 0.017. Conclusions Design fluency and visuoperception appear related to spatiotemporal gait parameters in healthy adults. Worse cognitive performance was related to greater variability in dual task stride length and step width, gait characteristics associated with falling in aging and neurological populations.

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Relative and absolute reliability of the clinical version of the Narrow Path Walking Test (NPWT) under single and dual task conditions

Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics ◽

10.1016/j.archger.2013.02.001 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 57 (1) ◽

pp. 92-99 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Yoav Gimmon ◽

Grinshpon Jacob ◽

Constanze Lenoble-Hoskovec ◽

Christophe Büla ◽

Itshak Melzer

Keyword(s):

Dual Task ◽

Walking Test ◽

Task Conditions ◽

Absolute Reliability

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The Impact of Mild Cognitive Impairment on Gait and Balance: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Studies Using Instrumented Assessment

Gerontology ◽

10.1159/000445831 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 63 (1) ◽

pp. 67-83 ◽

Cited By ~ 93

Author(s):

Lindsay Bahureksa ◽

Bijan Najafi ◽

Ahlam Saleh ◽

Marwan Sabbagh ◽

David Coon ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cognitive Impairment ◽

Mild Cognitive Impairment ◽

Dual Task ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Inclusion Criteria ◽

Motor Assessment ◽

Gait Parameters ◽

Task Conditions ◽

Cognitively Intact

Background: In addition to cognitive deficits, people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) can experience motor dysfunction, including deficits in gait and balance. Objective, instrumented motor performance assessment may allow the detection of subtle MCI-related motor deficits, allowing early diagnosis and intervention. Motor assessment under dual-task conditions may increase diagnostic accuracy; however, the sensitivity of different cognitive tasks is unclear. Objective: To systematically review the extant literature focusing on instrumented assessment of gait and balance parameters for discriminating MCI patients from cognitively intact peers. Methods: Database searches were conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, PsycINFO and Web of Science. Inclusion criteria were: (1) clinically confirmed MCI; (2) instrumented measurement of gait and/or balance; (3) English language, and (4) reporting gait or balance parameters which could be included in a meta-analysis for discriminating between MCI patients and cognitively intact individuals based on weighted effect size (d). Results: Fourteen studies met the inclusion criteria and reported quantitative gait (n = 11) or postural balance (n = 4) parameters to be included in the meta-analysis. The meta-analysis revealed that several gait parameters including velocity (d = -0.74, p < 0.01), stride length (d = -0.65, p < 0.01), and stride time (mean: d = 0.56, p = 0.02; coefficient of variation: d = 0.50, p < 0.01) discriminated best between MCI and healthy controls under single-task conditions. Importantly, dual-task assessment increased the discriminative power of gait variables wherein gait variables with counting tasks appeared to be more sensitive (range d = 0.84-1.35) compared to verbal fluency tasks such as animal naming (range d = 0.65-0.94). Balance parameters identified as significant discriminators were anterior-posterior (d = 0.49, p < 0.01) and mediolateral (d = -0.34, p = 0.04) sway position in the eyes-open condition but not eyes-closed condition. Conclusion: Existing studies provide evidence that MCI affects specific gait parameters. MCI-related gait changes were most pronounced when subjects are challenged cognitively (i.e., dual task), suggesting that gait assessment with an additional cognitive task is useful for diagnosis and outcome analysis in the target population. Static balance seems to also be affected by MCI, although limited evidence exists. Instrumented motor assessment could provide a critical opportunity for MCI diagnosis and tailored intervention targeting specific deficits and potentially slowing progression to dementia. Further studies are required to confirm our findings.

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Effects of dual-task gait treadmill training on gait ability, dual-task interference, and fall efficacy in people with stroke: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Physical Therapy ◽

10.1093/ptj/pzab067 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Chang Yoon Baek ◽

Woo Nam Chang ◽

Beom Yeol Park ◽

Kyoung Bo Lee ◽

Kyoung Yee Kang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Dual Task ◽

Cognitive Task ◽

Gait Training ◽

Control Group ◽

Task Condition ◽

Dual Task Condition ◽

Single Task ◽

Gait Parameters ◽

Task Training ◽

Task Conditions

Abstract Objective This study aimed to investigate the effects of dual-task gait training using a treadmill on gait ability, dual-task interference, and fall efficacy in people with stroke. Methods Patients with chronic stroke (N = 34) were recruited and randomly allocated to the experimental or control group. Both groups underwent gait training on a treadmill and a cognitive task. In the experimental group, gait training was conducted in conjunction with the cognitive task, whereas in the control group, the training and the cognitive task were conducted separately. Each intervention was provided for 60 minutes, twice a week, for a period of 6 weeks for both groups. The primary outcomes were as follows: gait parameters (speed, stride, variability, and cadence) under single-task and dual-task conditions, correct response rate (CRR) under single-task and dual-task conditions, and dual-task cost (DTC) in gait parameters and CRR. The secondary outcome was the fall efficacy scale. Results Dual-task gait training using a treadmill improved all gait parameters in the dual-task condition, speed, stride, and variability in the single-task condition, and CRR in both conditions. Difference between the groups was observed in speed, stride, and variability in the dual-task condition. Furthermore, dual-task gait training on a treadmill improved DTC in speed, variability, and cadence along with that in CRR, indicating true improvement of DTC, which led to significant improvement in DTC in speed and variability compared with single-task training. Conclusions Dual-task gait treadmill training was more effective in improving gait ability in dual-task training and DTI than single-task training involving gait and cognitive task separately in people with chronic stroke.

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Validity of the GAITRite Walkway Compared to Functional Balance Tests for Fall Risk Assessment in Geriatric Outpatients

Geriatrics ◽

10.3390/geriatrics5040077 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 5 (4) ◽

pp. 77

Author(s):

Johannes Riis ◽

Stephanie M. Byrgesen ◽

Kristian H. Kragholm ◽

Marianne M. Mørch ◽

Dorte Melgaard

Keyword(s):

Risk Assessment ◽

Dual Task ◽

Fall Risk ◽

Timed Up And Go ◽

Balance Test ◽

Fall Risk Assessment ◽

Functional Balance ◽

Balance Tests ◽

Gait Parameters ◽

Task Conditions

This study examined the concurrent validity between gait parameters from the GAITRite walkway and functional balance test commonly used in fall risk assessment. Patients were sampled from one geriatric outpatient clinic. One physiotherapist evaluated the patients on the GAITRite walkway with three repetitions in both single- and dual-task conditions. Patients were further evaluated with Bergs Balance scale (BBS), Dynamic Gait index (DGI), Timed Up and Go (TUG), and Sit To Stand test (STS). Correlations between quantitative gait parameters and functional balance test were analyzed with Spearman’s rank correlations. Correlations strength was considered as follows: negligible <0.1, weak 0.10–0.39, moderate 0.40–0.69, and strong ≥0.70. We included 24 geriatric outpatients in the study with a mean age of 80.6 years (SD: 5.9). Patients received eight (SD: 4.5) different medications on average, and seven (29.2%) patients used walkers during ambulation. Correlations between quantitative gait parameters and functional balance test ranged from weak to moderate in both single- and dual-task conditions. Moderate correlations were observed for DGI, TUG, and BBS, while STS showed weak correlations with all GAITRite parameters. For outpatients analyzed on the GAITRite while using walkers, correlations showed no clear pattern across parameters with large variation within balance tests.

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