Accelerometry-based gait analysis, an additional objective approach to screen subjects at risk for falling

Abstract

This study investigated whether the Tinetti scale, as a subjective measure for fall risk, is associated with objectively measured gait characteristics. It is studied whether gait parameters are different for groups that are stratified for fall risk using the Tinetti scale. Moreover, the discriminative power of gait parameters to classify elderly according to the Tinetti scale is investigated. Gait of 50 elderly with a Tinneti>24 and 50 elderly with a Tinetti≤24 was analyzed using acceleration-based gait analysis. Validated algorithms were used to derive spatio-temporal gait parameters, harmonic ratio, inter-stride amplitude variability and root mean square (RMS) from the accelerometer data. Clear differences in gait were found between the groups. All gait parameters correlated with the Tinetti scale (r-range: 0.20-0.73). Only walking speed, step length and RMS showed moderate to strong correlations and high discriminative power to classify elderly according to the Tinetti scale. It is concluded that subtle gait changes that have previously been related to fall risk are not captured by the subjective assessment. It is therefore worthwhile to include objective gait assessment in fall risk screening.

Assessment of gait stability, harmony, and symmetry in subjects with lower-limb amputation evaluated by trunk accelerations

“…The common walking tests performed in clinics on subjects with amputation, such as the 10 m walking test or the 6 min walking test [45], just measure speed of walking without providing information about the optimization of other important aspects of gait. Our study also showed that fast speed may not be a safe choice, because it may lead to less harmonic gait, exposing subjects to a higher risk of falling [17,38].…”

“…In the literature, the expression "gait stability" has been used with reference to the ability to walk with smoothed upper-body accelerations [13], as well as stride-to-stride kinematic variability [14] and local dynamic stability related to the ability of the locomotor system to maintain continuous motion by accommodating natural, infinitesimally small perturbations [15]. Although mathematically and conceptually different, all of these parameters have been found related to balance and risk of falling [14,[16][17].…”

An On-Node Processing Approach for Anomaly Detection in Gait

“…The use of inertial sensors to help clinicians to assess the risk of fall has been widely studied [9], [22]- [24]. These systems generally derive a model to classify users as fallers or non-fallers, on the basis of some relevant gait parameters.…”

Development of Physical Performance After Acute Hip Fracture

“…25 Half of the females had a walking speed of less than 0.7 m/s at F4, suggesting safety problems in traffic environments as well as an increased risk to fall. 26 All participants improved TUG from their baseline level but only 33% of the females and 64% of the males were able to perform TUG at F4 within the mid-reference time of 11.3 seconds for elderly people aged 80 to 99. 12 Only 45% of females and 64% of males were able to perform more than 5 chair stands in 30 seconds at F4 representing increased risk of falling and indicating the frailty of the assessed group.…”