Estimation of spatial-temporal gait parameters in level walking based on a single accelerometer: Validation on normal subjects by standard gait analysis

• Published in: Computer methods and programs in biomedicine Vol. 108; no. 1; pp. 129 - 137
• Main Authors: Bugané, F., Benedetti, M.G., Casadio, G., Attala, S., Biagi, F., Manca, M., Leardini, A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Kidlington Elsevier Ireland Ltd 01.10.2012; Elsevier
• Subjects: Acceleration; Applied sciences; Biological and medical sciences; Computer science; control theory; systems; Computer systems and distributed systems. User interface; Exact sciences and technology; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Gait; Humans; Inertial sensing; Internal Medicine; Lower trunk acceleration; Measurements common to several branches of physics and astronomy; Metrology, measurements and laboratory procedures; Other; Physics; Software; Validation; Velocity, acceleration and rotation; Vertebrates: body movement. Posture. Locomotion. Flight. Swimming. Physical exercise. Rest. Sports; Walking; Validation; Walking; Inertial sensing; Lower trunk acceleration; Legged locomotion; Statistical analysis; Gait; Duration; Inertial survey; Timed system; Posture; Acceleration measurement; Filter; Body movement; Accelerometer; Medical application; Mobile computing; Stereophotogrammetry
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cmpb.2012.02.003
• ISSN: 0169-2607; 1872-7565

This paper investigates the ability of a single wireless inertial sensing device stuck on the lower trunk to provide spatial-temporal parameters during level walking. The 3-axial acceleration signals were filtered and the timing of the main gait events identified. Twenty-two healthy subjects were analyzed with this system for validation, and the estimated parameters were compared with those obtained with state-of-the-art gait analysis, i.e. stereophotogrammetry and dynamometry. For each side, from four to six gait cycles were measured with the device, of which two were validated by gait analysis. The new acquisition system is easy to use and does not interfere with regular walking. No statistically significant differences were found between the acceleration-based measurements and the corresponding ones from gait analysis for most of the spatial-temporal parameters, i.e. stride length, stride duration, cadence and speed, etc.; significant differences were found for the gait cycle phases, i.e. single and double support duration, etc. The system therefore shows promise also for a future routine clinical use.