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. 2016 Dec;14(2):60-66.
doi: 10.1016/j.jesf.2016.07.002. Epub 2016 Nov 4.

Gait-force model and inertial measurement unit-based measurements: A new approach for gait analysis and balance monitoring

Xinan Li  1 , Hongyuan Xu  1 , Jeffrey T Cheung  1
Affiliations

Gait-force model and inertial measurement unit-based measurements: A new approach for gait analysis and balance monitoring

Xinan Li et al. J Exerc Sci Fit. 2016 Dec.

Abstract

Background/objective: This work describes a new approach for gait analysis and balance measurement. It uses an inertial measurement unit (IMU) that can either be embedded inside a dynamically unstable platform for balance measurement or mounted on the lower back of a human participant for gait analysis.

Methods and results: The acceleration data along three Cartesian coordinates is analyzed by the gait-force model to extract bio-mechanics information in both the dynamic state as in the gait analyzer and the steady state as in the balance scale. For the gait analyzer, the simple, noninvasive and versatile approach makes it appealing to a broad range of applications in clinical diagnosis, rehabilitation monitoring, athletic training, sport-apparel design, and many other areas. For the balance scale, it provides a portable platform to measure the postural deviation and the balance index under visual or vestibular sensory input conditions. Despite its simple construction and operation, excellent agreement has been demonstrated between its performance and the high-cost commercial balance unit over a wide dynamic range.

Conclusion: The portable balance scale is an ideal tool for routine monitoring of balance index, fall-risk assessment, and other balance-related health issues for both clinical and household use.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Configuration of gait analysis with a single inertial measurement unit.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Raw data from inertial measurement unit-based gait analysis.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Phases of a gait cycle.
Figure 4
Figure 4
(A) Gait-force image and (B) two-dimensional gait-force image components.
Figure 5
Figure 5
Raw data and the corresponding gait-force spectrum involving five steps.
Figure 6
Figure 6
The gait measurement of a person with leg-length discrepancy.
Figure 7
Figure 7
Gait pattern of a patient with flat-foot syndrome. The dashed circle indicates lack of sustainability in surge motion due to the absence of toe push.
Figure 8
Figure 8
Gait-force pattern and gait-force image of a patient with Parkinson’s disease. The circled flat region between heel strikes corresponds to “frozen gait”.
Figure 9
Figure 9
Raw gait data and gait-force spectrum of a patient recovering from hip-replacement surgery.
Figure 10
Figure 10
Gait-force spectrum of an individual walking with and without wearing pedorthic insoles.
Figure 11
Figure 11
The trajectory of center of gravity during balance. The solid circles represent the center of the unloaded platform and the center of mass of the acceleration vectors during balance measurement. Their difference represents a measurement of postural deviation.
Table 12
Figure 12
Calibration of the device presented in this work versus that of Biodex Balance SD, a commercial balance-testing apparatus.
Figure 13
Figure 13
The dependence of balance index on age and sensory input.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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