A single gyroscope method for spatial gait analysis

Inertial sensors have become increasingly popular in gait analysis, due to their highly portable, low cost, and potentially wireless nature. However, accurate spatial gait analysis using few sensors remains a challenge. A gyroscope-based algorithm for spatial gait analysis is presented. This novel algorithm (SGA) uses data from a single gyroscope attached to each shank. The performance of the SGA was compared to that of an electronic walkway, GAITRite^®. The two systems compared favorably, with a mean error in stride length of 0.09 ± 0.07 m, and a mean error in stride velocity of 0.11 ± 0.10 m/s. The error between the SGA and GAITRite was also similar to that reported by previous inertial sensor based algorithms. The relationship between stride length and stride velocity, as well as that of subject height and stride length was also examined. This new method provides an inexpensive, portable system for spatial or spatio-temporal gait analysis, which has potential for use in any location.

I. Introduction

GAIT analysis is widely used as a clinical, research, or commercial tool to assess motor control and frailty. Increased variability in the spatial and temporal parameters of gait has been reported in older adults who suffer from falls, frailty, or degenerative neuromuscular pathologies [1]–[3]. Analysis of stride to stride variability provides insight into the neural control of locomotion and enhances the functional assessment of ageing and rehabilitation.