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

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.

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Longitudinal Changes in Temporospatial Gait Characteristics during the First Year Post-Stroke

Brain Sciences ◽

10.3390/brainsci11121648 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (12) ◽

pp. 1648

Author(s):

John W. Chow ◽

Dobrivoje S. Stokic

Keyword(s):

Lower Extremity ◽

Gait Speed ◽

Stride Length ◽

Double Support ◽

Post Stroke ◽

Gait Characteristics ◽

Gait Parameters ◽

Support Time ◽

Post Onset ◽

Step Parameters

Given the paucity of longitudinal data in gait recovery after stroke, we compared temporospatial gait characteristics of stroke patients during subacute (<2 months post-onset, T0) and at approximately 6 and 12 months post-onset (T1 and T2, respectively) and explored the relationship between gait characteristics at T0 and the changes in gait speed from T0 to T1. Forty-six participants were assessed at T0 and a subsample of 24 participants at T2. Outcome measures included Fugl-Meyer lower-extremity motor score, 14 temporospatial gait parameters and symmetry indices of 5 step parameters. Except for step width, all temporospatial parameters improved from T0 to T1 (p ≤ 0.0001). Additionally, significant improvements in symmetry were found for the initial double-support time and single-support time (p ≤ 0.0001). Although group results at T2 were not different from those at T1, the individual analysis revealed that 42% (10/24) of the subsample showed a significant increase in gait speed. The increase in gait speed from T0 to T1 was negatively correlated with gait speed and stride length, and positively correlated with the symmetry indices of stance and single-support times at T0 (p ≤ 0.002). Temporospatial gait parameters and stance time symmetry improve over the first 6 months after stroke with an apparent plateau thereafter. Approximately 40% of the subsample continue to increase gait speed from 6 to 12 months post-stroke. A greater increase in gait speed during the first 6 months post-stroke is associated with initially slower walking, shorter stride length, and more pronounced asymmetry in stance and single-support times. The improvement in lower-extremity motor function and bilateral improvements in step parameters collectively suggest that gait changes over the first 12 months after stroke are likely due to neurological recovery, although some compensation by the non-paretic side cannot be excluded.

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Association of Gait Characteristics and Depression in Patients with Parkinson’s Disease Assessed in Goal-Directed Locomotion Task

Parkinson s Disease ◽

10.1155/2017/6434689 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 2017 ◽

pp. 1-7 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Péter Kincses ◽

Norbert Kovács ◽

Kázmér Karádi ◽

Ádám Feldmann ◽

Krisztina Dorn ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Parkinson’S Disease ◽

Parkinson's Disease ◽

Stride Length ◽

Gait Pattern ◽

Exact Nature ◽

Gait Characteristics ◽

Gait Parameters ◽

Healthy Control ◽

Affective Variables ◽

Affective Disturbances

Introduction.In the genesis of Parkinson’s disease (PD) clinical phenomenology the exact nature of the association between bradykinesia and affective variables is unclear. In the present study, we analyzed the gait characteristics and level of depression in PD and healthy volunteers.Methods.Patients with PD (n=48) and healthy controls (n=52) were recruited for the present study. Walking speed, stride length, and cadence were compared between groups while participants completed a goal-directed locomotion task under visually controlled (VC) and visually noncontrolled conditions (VnC).Results.Significantly higher depression scores were found in PD comparing to healthy control groups. In PD, depression was associated with gait components in the VC wherein the place of the target was visible. In contrast, in healthy subjects the depression was associated with gait components in VnC wherein the location and image of the target were memorized and recalled. In patients with PD and depression, the visually deprived multitask augments the rate of cadence and diminishes stride length, while velocity remains relatively unchanged. The depression associated with gait characteristics as a comorbid affective factor in PD, and that impairs the coherence of gait pattern.Conclusion.The relationship between depression and gait parameters appears to indicate that PD not only is a neurological disease but also incorporates affective disturbances that associate with the regulation of gait characteristics.

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The Effects of Mobile Texting and Walking Speed on Gait Characteristics of Normal Weight and Obese Adults

Motor Control ◽

10.1123/mc.2020-0006 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 24 (4) ◽

pp. 588-604

Author(s):

Jongil Lim ◽

Jiyeon Kim ◽

Kyoungho Seo ◽

Richard E.A. van Emmerik ◽

Sukho Lee

Keyword(s):

Dual Task ◽

Walking Speed ◽

Normal Weight ◽

Obese Adults ◽

Double Support ◽

Gait Characteristics ◽

Gait Parameters ◽

Dual Task Cost ◽

Gait Mechanics ◽

Stance Time

The aim of this study was to examine how usage of mobile devices while simultaneously walking affects walking characteristics and texting performance of normal weight (NW) and obese (OB) individuals. Thirty-two OB (body mass index [BMI] = 34.4) and NW (BMI = 22.7) adults performed two 60-s walking trials at three-step frequencies along a rectangular walkway in two conditions (No Texting and Texting). Dual-task cost as well as unadjusted spatial and temporal gait characteristics were measured. Dual-task costs for the gait parameters as well as texting performance were not different between the groups, except for the lateral step variability showing a larger variability at the preferred frequency in OB individuals. For the unadjusted variables, OB exhibited longer double support, longer stance time, and lower turn velocity compared with NW. Overall, the results highlight a similar dual-task cost for the OB individuals compared with the NW individuals, in spite of underlying differences in gait mechanics.

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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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A Multiple Regression Approach to Normalization of Spatiotemporal Gait Features

Journal of Applied Biomechanics ◽

10.1123/jab.2015-0035 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 32 (2) ◽

pp. 128-139 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Ferdous Wahid ◽

Rezaul Begg ◽

Noel Lythgo ◽

Chris J. Hass ◽

Saman Halgamuge ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Multiple Regression ◽

Stride Length ◽

Walking Speed ◽

Double Support ◽

Gait Features ◽

Regression Approach ◽

Stance Time ◽

Double Support Time ◽

Support Time ◽

Dimensionless Equations

Normalization of gait data is performed to reduce the effects of intersubject variations due to physical characteristics. This study reports a multiple regression normalization approach for spatiotemporal gait data that takes into account intersubject variations in self-selected walking speed and physical properties including age, height, body mass, and sex. Spatiotemporal gait data including stride length, cadence, stance time, double support time, and stride time were obtained from healthy subjects including 782 children, 71 adults, 29 elderly subjects, and 28 elderly Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients. Data were normalized using standard dimensionless equations, a detrending method, and a multiple regression approach. After normalization using dimensionless equations and the detrending method, weak to moderate correlations between walking speed, physical properties, and spatiotemporal gait features were observed (0.01 < |r| < 0.88), whereas normalization using the multiple regression method reduced these correlations to weak values (|r| < 0.29). Data normalization using dimensionless equations and detrending resulted in significant differences in stride length and double support time of PD patients; however the multiple regression approach revealed significant differences in these features as well as in cadence, stance time, and stride time. The proposed multiple regression normalization may be useful in machine learning, gait classification, and clinical evaluation of pathological gait patterns.

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

Journal of Applied Biomechanics ◽

10.1123/jab.28.3.349 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 28 (3) ◽

pp. 349-355 ◽

Cited By ~ 24

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.

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Calibration-Free Gait Assessment by Foot-Worn Inertial Sensors

Frontiers in Digital Health ◽

10.3389/fdgth.2021.736418 ◽

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.

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

European Neurology ◽

10.1159/000499908 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 81 (3-4) ◽

pp. 120-127 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

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.

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Effects of age and gender on gait characteristics using a wearable foot inertial-sensor device assessment

Foot & Ankle Orthopaedics ◽

10.1177/2473011417s000096 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 2 (3) ◽

pp. 2473011417S0000

Author(s):

Chayanin Angthong

Keyword(s):

Walking Speed ◽

Inertial Sensor ◽

Step Length ◽

Foot And Ankle ◽

Age And Gender ◽

Pearson’S Correlation ◽

Gait Characteristics ◽

Gait Parameters ◽

Pearson's Correlation ◽

And Gender

Category: Gait studies Introduction/Purpose: This study is to determine the effects of age and gender on the gait characteristics using a wearable foot inertial-sensor assessment in the patients with foot and ankle conditions. Methods: There were 53 patients with foot and ankle-related conditions (38 females and 15 males, mean age: 51.4 (±14.0) years) who were collected for this study. For all patients, the clinical assessments, including the evaluations with validated patient- reported outcome using visual analogue scale foot and ankle (VAS-FA) score and health-related quality of life using validated Short Form-36 (SF-36), diagnoses, and gait characteristics assessment using a wearable foot device with the Micro electro mechanical systems (MEMS) inertial-sensor technology during patients’ walking trial for a distance of 10-meter at their self-selected speed. This device captures the gait parameters as distance walked, step counts or length, cadence, and walking speed. Foot Pod output can be wireless synced to a compatible smartphone or tablet. Pearson’s correlation coefficient r or Analysis of variance (ANOVA) tests were used to express the correlation between age and gait parameters or to compare the parameters between male and female groups. Results: There were insignificantly negative Pearson’s correlation coefficients r between age and walking speed or between age and cadence (P>0.05). Male patients had significantly higher maximum walking speed (P=0.015) and step length than female patients (P=0.011). Conclusion: In contrary to the previous study, the present study demonstrated that higher age had no effect on the reduction of walking speed. However, the effects of gender on gait characteristics were proved as higher maximum walking speed and step length in men.

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Gait Characteristics of Children with Spastic Cerebral Palsy during Inclined Treadmill Walking under a Virtual Reality Environment

Applied Bionics and Biomechanics ◽

10.1155/2019/8049156 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 2019 ◽

pp. 1-9 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Ye Ma ◽

Yali Liang ◽

Xiaodong Kang ◽

Ming Shao ◽

Lilja Siemelink ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Virtual Reality ◽

Cerebral Palsy ◽

Stride Length ◽

Walking Speed ◽

Dynamic Balance ◽

Treadmill Walking ◽

Spastic Cerebral Palsy ◽

Virtual Reality Environment ◽

Gait Characteristics ◽

Uphill Walking

Objective. To investigate gait characteristics in children with spastic cerebral palsy during inclined treadmill walking under a virtual reality environment. Methods. Ten spastic cerebral palsy (CP) children and ten typically developing (TD) children were asked to walk at their comfortable speed on a treadmill at a ground level and 10° inclined. Three-dimensional kinematic data and ground reaction force data were captured in a computer-assisted rehabilitation environment system. Kinetic parameters and dynamic balance parameters were calculated using a standard biomechanical approach. Results. During uphill walking, both groups decreased walking speed and stride length and increased peak pelvis tilt, ankle dorsiflexion, and hip flexion. Compared with TD children, CP children had decreased walking speed and stride length, decreased peak hip abduction moment, increased stance phase percentage, increased peak ankle dorsiflexion and knee flexion, and increased peak hip extension moment. The peak trunk rotation angle, ankle angle at initial contact, and stride length showed a significant group∗walking condition interaction effect. Conclusions. CP children showed similar adjustments for most gait parameters during uphill walking as TD children. With a lower walking speed, CP children could maintain similar dynamic balance as TD children. Uphill walking magnifies the existing abnormal gait patterns of the cerebral palsy children. We suggest that during a treadmill training with an inclination, the walking speed should be carefully controlled in the case of improving peak joint loading too much.

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