Reliability testing of an IMU-based 2-segment foot model for clinical gait analysis

• Published in: Gait & posture Vol. 114; pp. 112 - 118
• Main Authors: Bauer, Leandra, Hamberger, Maximilian Anselm, Böcker, Wolfgang, Polzer, Hans, Baumbach, Sebastian Felix
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Elsevier B.V 01.10.2024
• Subjects: Adult; Biomechanical Phenomena; Female; Foot - physiology; Gait - physiology; Gait analysis; Gait Analysis - methods; Healthy Volunteers; Humans; Male; Multi-segment Foot Model; Reliability; Reproducibility of Results; Young Adult; Reliability; Gait analysis; Multi-segment Foot Model
• ISSN: 0966-6362; 1879-2219; 1879-2219
• DOI: 10.1016/j.gaitpost.2024.09.010

The one of the most commonly used reference system for clinical gait analysis is an optical motion capture system (OMC) using a multi-segment foot model. A time- and cost-efficient alternative could be an inertial measurement unit (IMU)-based systems. However, these are limited to a single segment approach for the foot and ankle. Therefore, the current setup was modified to be based on a 2-segment foot model, allowing for a separate analysis of the hind- and midfoot. The study aimed to evaluate the reliability (inter-rater, intra-rater, and test-retest reliability) of an IMU-based 2-segment foot model. Twelve healthy subjects were recruited to test the inter-rater, intra-rater, and test-retest reliability of the new IMU based 2-segment foot model. Gait analysis was performed on a treadmill at a constant speed of 4 km/h. Kinematic data of the tibia/hindfoot, tibia/forefoot and hindfoot/forefoot over 100 % gait cycle were analyzed. The reliability was tested by using statistical parametric mapping (SPM) and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). The SPM showed no significant difference for inter-, intra-rater, and test-retest reliability, but for a small segment of tibia/forefoot dorsiflexion test-retest reliability (2.1° difference). The single standard deviation measurement error for the sagittal and transverse plane was <5° and worse for the frontal plane. The new 2-segment foot model revealed a high inter-rater, intra-rater, and test-retest reliability. It is suitable for use in adult clinical practice. Still, comparative data to the OMC system using a multi-segment foot model are missing. •Assessing the reliability of an IMU-based 2-segment foot model as an extension of the traditionally used 1-segment models.•Resulting kinematic curves for the foot and ankle were tested for differences using statistical parametric mapping.•The 2-segment foot model showed good inter-, intra- and test-retest reliability with no clinical relevant differences.•Gait analysis with IMUs provide a cost and time effective alternative to optical motion capture.