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Measuring Gait Parameters from Structural Vibrations
Benjamin T Davis1, Brianna I Bryant1, Stacy L Fritz2
1Advanced Smart Systems and Evaluation Technologies (ASSET), LLC 1400 Laurel Street, Columbia, SC 29201, USA.
Measurement : Journal of the International Measurement Confederation
|May 23, 2022
Summary
Floor vibrations offer a non-intrusive method for accurately measuring gait parameters in older adults. This technology shows excellent reliability for gait speed, cadence, and other key metrics, aiding in treatment evaluation.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Rehabilitation Engineering
- Gerontology
Background:
- Accurate gait parameter measurement is crucial for assessing older adults with mobility impairments, balance issues, and fall risks.
- Traditional methods like stopwatches and timing gates are limited in scope and can influence gait.
- Existing wearable and non-wearable technologies may alter natural walking patterns.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present and validate a novel methodology for extracting gait parameters using floor vibrations.
- To compare the accuracy and reliability of vibration-based gait analysis with established methods.
Main Methods:
- Developed a system to measure gait parameters through floor vibrations.
- Collected data from 97 participants across 1039 walks, including self-selected speed, maximal speed, and backward walking.
- Compared vibration measurements against APDM Wearable Technologies Mobility Lab sensors and stopwatch data.
Main Results:
- Vibration-based gait speed measurements demonstrated excellent reliability, with ICC values comparable to APDM sensors (0.98) and stopwatches (0.97).
- High reliability was also observed for cadence, gait cycle duration, step duration, and stride length.
- The method proved effective across different walking conditions and testing sites.
Conclusions:
- Floor vibrations provide a reliable and non-intrusive method for measuring multiple gait parameters.
- This technology holds significant potential for clinical evaluation and rehabilitation of older adults.
- Vibration analysis offers a promising alternative to current gait assessment tools, overcoming limitations of intrusiveness and altered gait patterns.
