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Updated: Aug 5, 2026
07:24
Home-Based Monitor for Gait and Activity Analysis
Published on: August 8, 2019
Concurrent Validity and Reliability of Inertial Sensor-Based Wearables for Quantifying Spatial-Temporal Gait
Víctor Martínez-Pozo1,2, David Barbado1,2, Carmina Díaz-Marín2
1Sports Research Centre, Miguel Hernández University of Elche, 03202 Elche, Spain.
Brain Sciences
|July 28, 2026
Summary
Wearable sensors accurately measure spatial gait parameters like speed in stroke survivors. However, temporal parameters, especially swing time, are less reliable due to gait alterations.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Rehabilitation Science
- Clinical Biomechanics
Background:
- Stroke survivors often exhibit gait asymmetry and altered motor control.
- Accurate quantification of spatiotemporal gait parameters is crucial for rehabilitation and mobility assessment.
- Wearable inertial sensor systems offer a promising, portable solution for gait analysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the validity and reliability of wearable inertial sensor systems for measuring spatiotemporal gait parameters in adults post-stroke.
- To assess the accuracy and consistency of these sensors compared to reference systems.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature review of 16 studies including 300 participants.
- Analysis of spatial (gait speed, cadence, step/stride length) and temporal gait parameters.
- Evaluation of agreement (ICC, LoA) and test-retest reliability with reference systems.
Main Results:
- Spatial parameters (speed, cadence, length) showed good-to-excellent agreement (ICC 0.85-0.98) and high reliability.
- Temporal parameters exhibited greater heterogeneity, with lower concordance (ICC 0.40-0.85), especially swing time (ICC 0.40-0.70).
- Paretic-side measurements were less reliable than non-paretic side; sensor number did not consistently affect accuracy.
Conclusions:
- Wearable inertial sensors provide robust estimates for spatial gait parameters in post-stroke individuals.
- Temporal gait parameter measurement, particularly swing time, remains a challenge due to stroke-related biomechanical alterations.
- Standardized protocols and improved algorithms are needed for wider clinical adoption and enhanced comparability.
