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Home-Based Monitor for Gait and Activity Analysis
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Assessing a low-cost accelerometer-based technique to estimate spatial gait parameters of lower-limb prosthesis users
Matthew J Major1, Pooja Raghavan2, Steven Gard3
1Northwestern University Prosthetics-Orthotics Center, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA matthew-major@northwestern.edu.
Prosthetics and Orthotics International
|March 4, 2015
Summary
Low-cost accelerometers can reliably estimate step length and walking distance for lower-limb prosthesis users. This accessible method aids clinicians in monitoring prosthetic gait quality and patient outcomes effectively.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Prosthetics and Orthotics
- Wearable Technology
Background:
- Characterizing lower-limb prosthetic gait quality requires accessible monitoring methods.
- Low-cost accelerometers offer a potential solution for gait analysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess an accelerometer-based method for estimating step length and walking distance in lower-limb prosthesis users.
- To explore the utility of subject-specific correction factors for improving accuracy.
Main Methods:
- A three-axis accelerometer was utilized, attached via straps.
- Validity and reliability of step length were assessed against motion capture in able-bodied individuals.
- Distance walked was validated in lower-limb prosthesis users, with a regression equation developed for correction factors.
Main Results:
- The system demonstrated excellent test-retest reliability and minimal mean error for both able-bodied and prosthesis users.
- Subject-specific correction factors did not significantly improve accuracy, and estimate variability remained high.
- The accelerometer-based method showed validity for estimating step length and distance walked.
Conclusions:
- Low-cost accelerometers provide a valid and clinically accessible method for characterizing prosthetic gait.
- This technology can aid clinicians in monitoring lower-limb prosthesis users' gait and patient outcomes.
