Development of Linear Regression Models to Estimate the Margin of Stability Based on Spatio-Temporal Gait Parameters

Abstract

Spatio-temporal gait parameters such as step width, cadence, stride length, and walking speed contribute to dynamic stability. Several studies have investigated the role of gait parameters in maintaining balance. However, in these studies, subjects were instructed to alter their gait. This intentional alteration has the potential to create error in the results, as subjects are not walking with a natural and comfortable gait. In consideration of this, the sample chosen in this study consisted of patients who had undergone a knee replacement. Such individuals naturally have gait parameters that differ from normal subjects. The primary objective of this study was to develop regression models that predict and measure gait stability in both the anterior-posterior and medio-lateral directions based on gait parameters. The maximum deviation of the extrapolated center of mass from the border of the base of support was the measure of gait stability. A forward stepwise multiple regression analysis was conducted to develop both models. In testing the goodness of fit of models, the values of coefficient of determination, standard error of estimates, and root mean square error were calculated. Both models showed sufficient values of goodness of fit. To improve walking stability and minimize falls, fall-prone people should walk with an adequate base-of-support area, and with lower cadence and speed. The results of this study contribute to an understanding of gait patterns and their relationship to walking stability and to how gait strategies might be taught in physical therapy programs to minimize the risk of falls. INDEX TERMSBase of support, cadence, extrapolated center of mass, gait, stability, step width, stride length, walking speed. RAMI ALAMOUDI received the B.Sc. degree in industrial engineering from King Abdulaziz University, in 2003, and the master's and Ph.D. degrees in industrial engineering from the University of Miami, in 2005 and 2008, respectively. He joined the Department Industrial Engineering, King Abdulaziz University, as an Assistant Professor, where he was promoted to an Associated Professor, in 2015. His research interests include production planning and control, lean manufacturing, simulation and supply chain management. He is currently a member of the Institute of Industrial Engineers (IIE) and the Saudi Society for Systems & Industrial Engineering. MOHAMMED ALAMOUDI received the B.Sc. degree in industrial engineering (IE) from King Abdulaziz University (KAU), Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, in 2011, the M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees in IE, in 2013 and in 2017, respectively. For his graduate studies, he attended the Industrial Engineering Department, University of Miami (UM), Miami, USA. While his completion of Ph.D. degree, he held the position of a Research Assistant with the Biomechanics Laboratory, UM. He is currently an Assistant Professor with the Department of Industrial Engineering, KAU. His research interests include ergonomics and human factors engineering.

Gait Stability Index Built by Kinematic Information Consistent With the Margin of Stability Along the Mediolateral Direction

“…However, it is unclear whether other gait parameters, such as the upper body angle and gait speed, directly affect the MoS. In terms of the effect of the gait speed on the lateral MoS, earlier studies are not fully consistent [6], [11], [40],…”

“…Following earlier studies [6], [9]- [11], we use the minimum absolute value of m os within the period of a gait cycle as the stability index. The minimum MoS is observed during the double support phases at approximately 10% or 60% of the gait cycle, as shown in Fig.…”

“…For example, Alamoudi et al [11] and Gill et al [40] reported positive correlation coefficients between the gait speed and lateral MoS, whereas little correlation was found in [6], [41]. Caderby et al [41] thought that the increase in step width associated with an increase in gait speed is a posture adjustment to remain the lateral MoS.…”

“…Therefore, the measurement of kinetic indices requires laboratory settings. The margin of stability (MoS) [9]- [11], feasible stability region [12], and centroidal momentum [13] 1 are examples of 1 This index is often applied to bipedal robots. kinetic gait stability indices.…”

Predictors of Future Walking Speed: A 12-Month Monitoring Program

“…Control of dynamic stability during walking is considered a complicated task, since it requires the coordination of the nervous, sensory, and motor systems. As was mentioned earlier, the lower the number of steps during walking the larger the step length, thus implying better control of balance during walking (Alamoudi & Alamoudi, 2020). Based on these results, it is suggested for trainers that to help maintain the functional activity of adult women, dual-task training should be included in their training protocol.…”