scholarly journals Calibration-Free Gait Assessment by Foot-Worn Inertial Sensors

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Laidig ◽  
Andreas J. Jocham ◽  
Bernhard Guggenberger ◽  
Klemens Adamer ◽  
Michael Fischer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Stride Length ◽  
Walking Speed ◽  
Daily Life ◽  
Neurological Diseases ◽  
Absolute Difference ◽  
Gait Assessment ◽  
Gait Parameters ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
Pathological Gait ◽  
Calibration Free

Walking is a central activity of daily life, and there is an increasing demand for objective measurement-based gait assessment. In contrast to stationary systems, wearable inertial measurement units (IMUs) have the potential to enable non-restrictive and accurate gait assessment in daily life. We propose a set of algorithms that uses the measurements of two foot-worn IMUs to determine major spatiotemporal gait parameters that are essential for clinical gait assessment: durations of five gait phases for each side as well as stride length, walking speed, and cadence. Compared to many existing methods, the proposed algorithms neither require magnetometers nor a precise mounting of the sensor or dedicated calibration movements. They are therefore suitable for unsupervised use by non-experts in indoor as well as outdoor environments. While previously proposed methods are rarely validated in pathological gait, we evaluate the accuracy of the proposed algorithms on a very broad dataset consisting of 215 trials and three different subject groups walking on a treadmill: healthy subjects (n = 39), walking at three different speeds, as well as orthopedic (n = 62) and neurological (n = 36) patients, walking at a self-selected speed. The results show a very strong correlation of all gait parameters (Pearson's r between 0.83 and 0.99, p < 0.01) between the IMU system and the reference system. The mean absolute difference (MAD) is 1.4 % for the gait phase durations, 1.7 cm for the stride length, 0.04 km/h for the walking speed, and 0.7 steps/min for the cadence. We show that the proposed methods achieve high accuracy not only for a large range of walking speeds but also in pathological gait as it occurs in orthopedic and neurological diseases. In contrast to all previous research, we present calibration-free methods for the estimation of gait phases and spatiotemporal parameters and validate them in a large number of patients with different pathologies. The proposed methods lay the foundation for ubiquitous unsupervised gait assessment in daily-life environments.

scholarly journals Gait Characteristics and Fatigue Profiles When Standing on Surfaces with Different Hardness: Gait Analysis and Machine Learning Algorithms

Biology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. 1083
Author(s):  
Zhenghui Lu ◽  
Dong Sun ◽  
Datao Xu ◽  
Xin Li ◽  
Julien S. Baker ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Stride Length ◽  
Walking Speed ◽  
Machine Learning Algorithms ◽  
Gait Characteristics ◽  
Gait Parameters ◽  
Knn Classification ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Fatigue Detection ◽  
Male Subjects ◽  
Support Time

Background: Longtime standing may cause fatigue and discomfort in the lower extremities, leading to an increased risk of falls and related musculoskeletal diseases. Therefore, preventive interventions and fatigue detection are crucial. This study aims to explore whether anti-fatigue mats can improve gait parameters following long periods of standing and try to use machine learning algorithms to identify the fatigue states of standing workers objectively. Methods: Eighteen healthy young subjects were recruited to stand on anti-fatigue mats and hard ground to work 4 h, including 10 min rest. The portable gait analyzer collected walking speed, stride length, gait frequency, single support time/double support time, swing work, and leg fall intensity. A Paired sample t-test was used to compare the difference of gait parameters without standing intervention and standing on two different hardness planes for 4 h. An independent sample t-test was used to analyze the difference between males and females. The K-nearest neighbor (KNN) classification algorithm was performed, the subject’s gait characteristics were divided into non-fatigued and fatigue groups. The gait parameters selection and the error rate of fatigue detection were analyzed. Results: When gender differences were not considered, the intensity of leg falling after standing on the hard ground for 4 h was significantly lower than prior to the intervention (p < 0.05). When considering the gender, the stride length and leg falling strength of female subjects standing on the ground for 4 h were significantly lower than those before the intervention (p < 0.05), and the leg falling strength after standing on the mat for 4 h was significantly lower than that recorded before the standing intervention (p < 0.05). The leg falling strength of male subjects standing on the ground for 4 h was significantly lower than before the intervention (p < 0.05). After standing on the ground for 4 h, female subjects’ walking speed and stride length were significantly lower than those of male subjects (p < 0.05). In addition, the accuracy of testing gait parameters to predict fatigue was medium (75%). After standing on the mat was divided into fatigue, the correct rate was 38.9%, and when it was divided into the non-intervention state, the correct rate was 44.4%. Conclusion: The results show that the discomfort and fatigue caused by standing for 4 h could lead to the gait parameters variation, especially in females. The use of anti-fatigue mats may improve the negative influence caused by standing for a long period. The results of the KNN classification algorithm showed that gait parameters could be identified after fatigue, and the use of an anti-fatigue mat could improve the negative effect of standing for a long time. The accuracy of the prediction results in this study was moderate. For future studies, researchers need to optimize the algorithm and include more factors to improve the prediction accuracy.

A Comparison of Algorithms for Body-Worn Sensor-Based Spatiotemporal Gait Parameters to the GAITRite Electronic Walkway

2012 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
pp. 349-355 ◽  
Author(s):  
Barry R. Greene ◽  
Timothy G. Foran ◽  
Denise McGrath ◽  
Emer P. Doheny ◽  
Adrian Burns ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Concurrent Validity ◽  
Stride Length ◽  
Walking Speed ◽  
Heel Strike ◽  
Gait Parameters ◽  
Stance Time ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Walking Speeds ◽  
Analysis Platform ◽  
Good Agreement

This study compares the performance of algorithms for body-worn sensors used with a spatiotemporal gait analysis platform to the GAITRite electronic walkway. The mean error in detection time (true error) for heel strike and toe-off was 33.9 ± 10.4 ms and 3.8 ± 28.7 ms, respectively. The ICC for temporal parameters step, stride, swing and stance time was found to be greater than 0.84, indicating good agreement. Similarly, for spatial gait parameters—stride length and velocity—the ICC was found to be greater than 0.88. Results show good to excellent concurrent validity in spatiotemporal gait parameters, at three different walking speeds (best agreement observed at normal walking speed). The reported algorithms for body-worn sensors are comparable to the GAITRite electronic walkway for measurement of spatiotemporal gait parameters in healthy subjects.

Periventricular White Matter Lesions Influence Gait Functions in Parkinson’s Disease

2019 ◽  
Vol 81 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 120-127 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kunio Toda ◽  
Mutsumi Iijima ◽  
Kazuo Kitagawa
Keyword(s):  
Parkinson’S Disease ◽  
Parkinson's Disease ◽  
White Matter ◽  
Frontal Lobe ◽  
Stride Length ◽  
Walking Speed ◽  
White Matter Lesions ◽  
Periventricular White Matter ◽  
Gait Parameters ◽  
Calculation Task

Objective: We quantitatively evaluated the gait of Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients over a 10-m course during normal walking and during dual-task walking while performing a calculation task, and clarified which parts of white matter lesions (WML) influence gait in PD patients. Methods: Gait parameters, including walking speed, gait cycle, stride length, and left-right instability, were measured in 64 PD patients and 20 controls who walked 10 m with normal gait and as they were performing a calculation task. WML on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of PD patients were scored according to Scheltens’ criteria, and associations with gait parameters were investigated. Results: Compared to controls, the PD group showed decreased walking speed and narrowed stride (p < 0.05), and the stride length and step time coefficient of variation changed significantly during the calculation task (p < 0.001). Frontal lobe functions correlated positively with walking speed and stride during the calculation task in patients with PD (p < 0.05). The total score for periventricular hyperintensity (PVH) on MRI correlated with walking speed and stride (p < 0.01). Multiple regression analysis revealed significant correlations between walking speed and frontal cap of PVH, and between stride and occipital cap (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Gait of PD patients deteriorated not only due to motor dysfunction but also due to mental burden in association with frontal lobe function and periventricular lesions of cerebral white matter.

scholarly journals The effect of a knee brace on gait parameters of hypertonic hemiplegic patients

2008 ◽  
Vol 64 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
M.R. Modisane ◽  
A. Stewart ◽  
M. Riley
Keyword(s):  
Gait Speed ◽  
Stride Length ◽  
Walking Speed ◽  
Knee Brace ◽  
Gait Parameters ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Ashworth Scale

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of the useof a knee brace on 15 subjects with hypertonic hemiparesis. The middlecerebral artery was involved in all subjects. The Ashworth scale was usedto screen for the presence of spasticity in the quadriceps muscles.Measurements of gait speed, step and stride length were taken in the middle 10 metres of a 15 metre paper walkway. A comparison of these gait parameters without and with the use of a knee brace was made. A ques-tionnaire was also used to evaluate how subjects responded to the use of aknee brace.The results showed that the mean speed for all 15 subjects increased withthe use of a brace, (p = 0.05). Step and stride length without and with the use of a brace showed no statistical differences.It was therefore concluded that the FECK brace appears to have an effect on the walking speed of subjects withhypertonic  hemiparesis

scholarly journals Gait parameters of Parkinson’s disease compared with healthy controls: a systematic review and meta-analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana Paula Janner Zanardi ◽  
Edson Soares da Silva ◽  
Rochelle Rocha Costa ◽  
Elren Passos-Monteiro ◽  
Ivan Oliveira dos Santos ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Parkinson’S Disease ◽  
Parkinson's Disease ◽  
Stride Length ◽  
Walking Speed ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
The Self ◽  
Double Support ◽  
Swing Time ◽  
Gait Parameters ◽  
Healthy Control

AbstractWe systematically reviewed observational and clinical trials (baseline) studies examining differences in gait parameters between Parkinson’s disease (PD) in on-medication state and healthy control. Four electronic databases were searched (November-2018 and updated in October-2020). Independent researchers identified studies that evaluated gait parameters measured quantitatively during self-selected walking speed. Risk of bias was assessed using an instrument proposed by Downs and Black (1998). Pooled effects were reported as standardized mean differences and 95% confidence intervals using a random-effects model. A total of 72 studies involving 3027 participants (1510 with PD and 1517 health control) met the inclusion criteria. The self-selected walking speed, stride length, swing time and hip excursion were reduced in people with PD compared with healthy control. Additionally, PD subjects presented higher cadence and double support time. Although with a smaller difference for treadmill, walking speed is reduced both on treadmill (.13 m s−1) and on overground (.17 m s−1) in PD. The self-select walking speed, stride length, cadence, double support, swing time and sagittal hip angle were altered in people with PD compared with healthy control. The precise determination of these modifications will be beneficial in determining which intervention elements are most critical in bringing about positive, clinically meaningful changes in individuals with PD (PROSPERO protocol CRD42018113042).

The influence of plantar short foot muscle exercises on foot posture and gait parameters in long-distance runners

2017 ◽  
Vol 27 (78) ◽  
pp. 75-86
Author(s):  
Iwona Sulowska ◽  
Anna Mika ◽  
Łukasz Oleksy
Keyword(s):  
Stride Length ◽  
Walking Speed ◽  
Training Programme ◽  
Cycle Duration ◽  
Distance Runners ◽  
Long Distance ◽  
Foot Posture Index ◽  
Posture Index ◽  
Gait Parameters ◽  
Foot Posture

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of exercises of plantar short foot muscles on foot posture and gait parameters in long-distance runners. Basic procedures: The study involved 48 long-distance runners aged 21-45 years. The runners performed the short foot muscle exercises daily for 6 weeks. The Foot Posture Index (FPI-6) and gait parameters (G-walk) were measured twice: at baseline and after 6 weeks of exercises. Results: Lower values of the Foot Posture Index (FPI-6) were observed. In the assessment of gait parameters runners obtained lower cadence, walking speed, stride length and % stride length/height. Gait cycle duration was increased. Conclusions: Exercises strengthening short foot muscles have beneficial effect on foot alignment by change of foot posture from a slight pronation towards a neutral foot. Change of gait parameters may indicate on improvement of motor control and shift natural and comfortable walking speed towards lower values. The short foot muscle exercises should be included as a part of daily training programme of runners.

Effect of shockwave therapy on kinematic gait parameters in children with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy

2021 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Hatem H Allam ◽  
Abdulrahman J Almalki ◽  
Lamiaa K Elsayyad
Keyword(s):  
Cerebral Palsy ◽  
Stride Length ◽  
Walking Speed ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Spastic Diplegia ◽  
Study Group ◽  
Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy ◽  
Extracorporeal Shockwave ◽  
Shockwave Therapy ◽  
Gait Parameters

Background/aims Extracorporeal shockwave therapy might be a considerable substitute to present treatment alternatives to reduce spasticity and improve range of motion in patients with cerebral palsy, which could improve their quality of life and gait pattern. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of extracorporeal shockwave therapy on gait parameters in children with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy. Methods A total of 34 children with spastic diplegia (19 boys and 15 girls) participated in the study. Their ages ranged from 5–7 years (mean 5.8 ± standard deviation 1.2 years). They were randomly assigned into two equal groups, the study and the control group. Both groups received the traditional physiotherapy programme, three sessions a week consecutively for 3 months. Children in the study group also received extracorporeal shockwave therapy one session a week for 3 months. Results There was a significant improvement of spasticity, step length and stride width in the control group (P=0.017, 0.015, 0.033 respectively). Walking speed did not show a significant change in the control group (P=0.1). In the study group, there was a significant improvement in spasticity, stride length, stride width, and walking speed (P=0.0001, 0.005, 0.029, 0.014 respectively). Comparing the gained improvement in the study and the control group, the results showed that the improvement in the study group significantly exceeded that of the control group in spasticity, stride length, stride width and walking speed (P=0.0003, 0.011, 0.043, 0.002 respectively). Conclusions Extracorporeal shockwave therapy is effective in reducing spasticity and improving gait patterns in children with spastic diplegia cerebral palsy.

scholarly journals Gait analysis - A comparison between observational analysis and temporal distance measurements

1996 ◽  
Vol 52 (2) ◽  
pp. 27-31 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Riley ◽  
M. Goodman ◽  
V. U. Fritz
Keyword(s):  
Stride Length ◽  
Video Recording ◽  
Normal Subjects ◽  
Step Length ◽  
Temporal Distance ◽  
Distance Measurements ◽  
Observational Analysis ◽  
Gait Assessment ◽  
Gait Parameters ◽  
Base Width

The purpose of this study was to compare observational analysis of gait to six temporal distance measurements in order to rate the accuracy of the observational analysis.Ten hemiparetic and ten parkinsonian patients were asked to walk along a paper walkway with ink pads attached to their normal footwear. Measurements of velocity, cadence, step length, stride length, base width and foot angle were taken.Ten normal subjects were also evaluated on the paper walkway to give normal values as a baseline for comparison with the hemiparetic and parkinsonian patient’s measurements.Observational analysis was recorded on a gait assessment form and a video recording was made of each patient. Comparison was made between the results recorded on the gait assessment form and the objective data.Observational analysis was found to be fairly reliable for the assessment of some gait parameters but as no accurate data are produced it cannot be used to give scientific proof of the effectiveness of treatment.Step length was the most difficult parameter to evaluate observationally in the hemiparetic patients, whereas cadence, foot angle and base width were the most difficult in the parkinsonian patients. As velocity was an easy value to record objectively it should be used in all gait assessments.

scholarly journals Agreement between the GAITRite® System and the Wearable Sensor BTS G-Walk® for measurement of gait parameters in healthy adults and Parkinson’s disease patients

PeerJ ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. e8835 ◽  
Author(s):  
Slávka Vítečková ◽  
Hana Horáková ◽  
Kamila Poláková ◽  
Radim Krupička ◽  
Evžen Růžička ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Parkinson’S Disease ◽  
Parkinson's Disease ◽  
Systematic Error ◽  
Stride Length ◽  
Walking Speed ◽  
Inertial Sensor ◽  
Pressure Sensors ◽  
Double Support ◽  
Gait Parameters ◽  
Stride Duration

Background Nowadays, the most widely used types of wearable sensors in gait analysis are inertial sensors. The aim of the study was to assess the agreement between two different systems for measuring gait parameters (inertial sensor vs. electronic walkway) on healthy control subjects (HC) and patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Methods Forty healthy volunteers (26 men, 14 women, mean age 58.7 ± 7.7 years) participated in the study and 24 PD patients (19 men, five women, mean age 62.7 ± 9.8 years). Each participant walked across an electronic walkway, GAITRite, with embedded pressure sensors at their preferred walking speed. Concurrently a G-Walk sensor was attached with a semi-elastic belt to the L5 spinal segment of the subject. Walking speed, cadence, stride duration, stride length, stance, swing, single support and double support phase values were compared between both systems. Results The Passing-Bablock regression slope line manifested the values closest to 1.00 for cadence and stride duration (0.99 ≤ 1.00) in both groups. The slope of other parameters varied between 0.26 (double support duration in PD) and 1.74 (duration of single support for HC). The mean square error confirmed the best fit of the regression line for speed, stride duration and stride length. The y-intercepts showed higher systematic error in PD than HC for speed, stance, swing, and single support phases. Conclusions The final results of this study indicate that the G-Walk system can be used for evaluating the gait characteristics of the healthy subjects as well as the PD patients. However, the duration of the gait cycle phases should be used with caution due to the presence of a systematic error.

scholarly journals Effect of type of secondary task on cued gait on people with idiopathic Parkinson′s disease

2014 ◽  
Vol 5 (01) ◽  
pp. 18-23 ◽  
Author(s):  
Harsha Chawla ◽  
Shefali Walia ◽  
Madhuri Behari ◽  
Majumi M. Noohu
Keyword(s):  
Stride Length ◽  
Walking Speed ◽  
Cognitive Task ◽  
Motor Task ◽  
Random Order ◽  
Repeated Measure ◽  
New Delhi ◽  
Medical Sciences ◽  
Gait Parameters ◽  
Significant Difference

ABSTRACT Introduction: The purpose of this study was to find out the effect of the secondary cognitive and motor task on cued gait in people with Idiopathic Parkinson′s disease (PD). Design and Setting: A repeated measure same subject design carried out at All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Neurology Department, New Delhi. Materials and Methods: The subjects were made to walk in random order on a paper walkway under three conditions: Free walking with cues at preferred walking speed, coin transference while walking with cues at preferred walking speed and digit subtraction while walking with cues at preferred walking speed. Outcome: The stride length, cadence, walking speed and stops were recorded. Results: There was a significant reduction in their walking speed and stride length, but increase in the cadence and the number of stops was seen, when they had to perform dual tasks along with the cued gait, but the changes were more pronounced when secondary cognitive task was added to the cued gait in people with idiopathic PD. Conclusion: The results of this study demonstrated that there is a significant difference in the effect of secondary motor task when compared with secondary cognitive task on cued gait parameters in people with Idiopathic PD.

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