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A 20-sec Stepping Test and KINECTTM Sensor Provides Objective Quantification of Movement/Balance Dysfunction in Older
Nobuo Takeshima1, Takeshi Kohama2, Masanobu Kusunoki2
1Department of Health and Sports Sciences, Asahi University, Mizuho-City, Japan.
Experimental Aging Research
|March 24, 2020
Summary
A 20-second stepping test using Kinect infrared depth sensors can objectively evaluate balance in older adults. Greater movement distances during the test indicate disability with moderate accuracy.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Biomechanics
- Rehabilitation Technology
Background:
- Traditional infirmity measures like the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) have limitations in assessing movement-based tasks.
- Quantitative analysis of human movement is complex and costly, but infrared depth sensors offer a potential low-cost solution.
- Objective balance evaluation is crucial for identifying disability in older adults.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the utility of a 20-second stepping test (ST) combined with a Kinect infrared-depth sensor.
- To provide objective evaluation of balance for identifying disability in older adults.
- To explore quantitative movement analysis for clinical assessment.
Main Methods:
- Participants: 75 older adults (64-90 years) categorized as independent (IG) or dependent (DG).
- Technology: Kinect infrared-depth sensor used to record a 20-second stepping test.
- Measurements: Calculated Total Movement Distance (TMD) and Greatest Displacement (MMD) from sensor data.
Main Results:
- Dependent individuals (DG) exhibited significantly greater TMD and MMD compared to independent individuals (IG).
- DG showed lower step numbers and rates than IG.
- Receiver-operator characteristic analysis indicated that TMD and MMD measures could discriminate between DG and IG with moderate sensitivity and specificity.
Conclusions:
- Increased Total Movement Distance (TMD) and Greatest Displacement (MMD) during a 20-second stepping test suggest disability in older adults.
- Movement distance metrics appear to reflect changes in dynamic balance, possibly due to altered stepping patterns.
- This technology offers a promising approach for objective, quantitative assessment of balance and disability in geriatric populations.
