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Using an Accelerometer-Based Step Counter in Post-Stroke Patients: Validation of a Low-Cost Tool
Francesco Negrini1, Giulio Gasperini2, Eleonora Guanziroli2
1IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, 20161 Milan, Italy.
Summary
Low-cost step counters can monitor stroke patient mobility, especially for faster walkers when placed on the ankle. This technology offers a practical tool for assessing real-world movement in clinical settings.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Wearable Technology
Background:
- Real-life mobility monitoring is crucial for stroke patient rehabilitation.
- Step counters offer accessible, portable, and cost-effective mobility assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- Validate a low-cost, tri-axial accelerometer-based step counter for stroke patients.
- Determine optimal step counter placement (wrists, ankles, waist) for accuracy.
Main Methods:
- Ten healthy subjects and 43 stroke patients participated.
- Subjects performed validated walking and mobility tests (10m, 50m, 6MWT, TUG).
- Step counters were worn in various positions; manual step counts served as the gold standard.
Main Results:
- Healthy subjects showed best reliability with lower limb/waist placement (ICCs 0.46-0.99).
- Stroke patients demonstrated moderate reliability only on lower limbs during the 6MWT (ICCs ~0.70).
- Step counters were unreliable for slow walkers but accurate for faster stroke patients (>0.8 m/s) on the healthy ankle (ICCs 0.36-0.99).
Conclusions:
- Low-cost step counters can reliably measure mobility in select, faster-walking stroke patients.
- Ankle placement shows promise for assessing real-world mobility in specific patient groups.
- This technology has potential for clinical and real-world use in stroke rehabilitation.
