Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 5, 2026
Asymmetric Walkway: A Novel Behavioral Assay for Studying Asymmetric Locomotion
Published on: January 15, 2016
"Stepping Up" Activity Poststroke: Ankle-Positioned Accelerometer Can Accurately Record Steps During Slow Walking.
Tara D Klassen1, Lisa A Simpson2, Shannon B Lim3
1T.D. Klassen, PT, MSc, Department of Physical Therapy and Graduate Program in Rehabilitation Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, and Rehabilitation Research Program, GF Strong Rehabilitation Centre, Vancouver, Canada.
An ankle-worn accelerometer accurately measures walking steps in individuals poststroke, even at slow speeds. This device offers a practical solution for monitoring activity and aiding rehabilitation professionals in assessing gait poststroke.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Rehabilitation Science
- Wearable Technology
Background:
- Low physical activity is common in poststroke individuals.
- Activity monitoring devices can motivate exercise and aid rehabilitation professionals.
- Existing devices often lack accuracy at slow walking speeds common after stroke.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the accuracy of an accelerometer in measuring walking steps of community-dwelling individuals poststroke.
- To evaluate device performance across a range of slow to moderate walking speeds.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study design was employed.
- Two accelerometers were attached to participants (N=43) at the waist and ankle.
- Walking steps were recorded at seven speeds (0.3-0.9 m/s) and compared to video analysis (gold standard).
Main Results:
- The accelerometer at the waist showed >10% error at most speeds and failed to record steps at slower paces (0.3-0.5 m/s).
- Positioning the accelerometer at the ankle resulted in ≤10% error across all tested speeds (0.4-0.9 m/s).
Conclusions:
- Some participants could not achieve faster walking speeds due to impairments.
- Ankle placement of the accelerometer, despite manufacturer recommendations, provides accurate gait feedback for poststroke individuals.
- This accessible device addresses the need for reliable monitoring of altered and slow walking patterns after stroke.
