Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 5, 2026
07:24
Home-Based Monitor for Gait and Activity Analysis
Published on: August 8, 2019
Wearable Sensor-Derived Gait Parameters Across Self-Reported Physical Activity Levels in Individuals With Knee
Charles Amoatey Odonkor1, Siri Bohacek2, Salman Hirani2
1Division of Physiatry, Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, Yale University, 47 College Street, New Haven, CT, 06520, United States, 1 203-737-5484, 1 203-785-7132.
JMIR Formative Research
|June 3, 2026
Summary
Wearable inertial measurement units (IMUs) provide valid stride-level gait assessment in knee osteoarthritis (KOA) patients and controls. These devices may also detect physical activity-related gait variations, warranting further research.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Wearable Technology
- Clinical Assessment
Background:
- Wearable inertial measurement units (IMUs) offer scalable gait assessment but require validation for stride-level accuracy and ability to reflect physical activity (PA)-related gait differences in knee osteoarthritis (KOA).
- Previous characterization of IMU gait analysis in KOA populations is incomplete, particularly regarding stride-level precision and correlation with PA levels.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the technical validity of foot-mounted IMU-derived gait parameters against optical motion capture in individuals with KOA and healthy controls.
- To explore whether IMU-derived gait parameters differ across self-reported physical activity levels in these populations.
Main Methods:
- A pilot cross-sectional validation study involving 20 participants (10 KOA, 10 controls) across three walking conditions.
- Stride-level comparison of IMU and motion capture data using correlation, ICC, MAE, RMSE, and Bland-Altman analysis.
- Assessment of physical activity levels using the Stanford Brief Activity Survey, with secondary analyses focusing on effect sizes.
Main Results:
- Strong agreement was found between IMU-derived and motion capture gait speed (ICC=0.98), stride length, and cadence (ICC range 0.96-0.97).
- All participants completed the protocol, indicating feasibility and tolerability of the IMU system.
- Exploratory analysis suggested higher PA levels correlated with faster gait speed and longer stride length, while lower PA was associated with altered stance-related rhythm parameters.
Conclusions:
- Foot-mounted IMUs demonstrate strong stride-level technical validity compared to motion capture in both KOA patients and healthy individuals.
- Preliminary findings suggest IMU-derived gait parameters may reflect differences related to physical activity levels.
- Larger longitudinal studies are needed to confirm these exploratory findings and their clinical implications.
