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Non-Linear Template-Based Approach for the Study of Locomotion
Tristan Dot1,2, Flavien Quijoux1,2,3, Laurent Oudre4
1Université Paris-Saclay, ENS Paris-Saclay, CNRS, Centre Borelli, F-94235 Cachan, France.
Sensors (Basel, Switzerland)
|April 3, 2020
Summary
This study introduces a novel method for automatically detecting gait events like Initial Contact (IC) and Final Contact (FC) using gyrometer data. The approach utilizes Dynamic Time Warping (DTW) with a single template, achieving high accuracy in step detection.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Wearable Technology
- Signal Processing
Background:
- Accurate gait event detection (Initial Contact, Final Contact) is essential for analyzing gait using Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs).
- Existing methods may require complex algorithms or multiple templates for reliable gait phase identification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a novel method for automatic detection of gait events (IC, FC) from gyrometer signals.
- To evaluate the efficacy of Dynamic Time Warping (DTW) with template matching for gait event detection.
- To demonstrate that a single template can be sufficient for accurate gait analysis.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a gyrometer to record gait sequences from individuals.
- Developed a method combining a dictionary of templates with Dynamic Time Warping (DTW) for template matching.
- Explored strategies for selecting and learning optimal templates from annotated gait data.
- Tested the algorithm on thirteen healthy subjects, comparing results against a gold standard.
Main Results:
- The proposed algorithm achieved average errors between 0.01 to 0.03 seconds for detecting IC, FC, and step duration.
- Performance was dependent on the chosen template, but DTW enabled high accuracy with just one template.
- Demonstrated the effectiveness of DTW for pattern recognition in gait gyrometer signals.
Conclusions:
- The study successfully developed and validated a gyrometer-based gait event detection method.
- Dynamic Time Warping (DTW) proves to be a powerful tool for gait pattern recognition, even with a single template.
- This research suggests that a single template with non-linear deformations can adequately model healthy gait, paving the way for simpler, effective step detection systems.
