Foot-Worn Inertial Sensors Are Reliable to Assess Spatiotemporal Gait Parameters in Axial Spondyloarthritis under Single and Dual Task Walking in Axial Spondyloarthritis

Abstract

The aim of this study was (1) to evaluate the relative and absolute reliability of gait parameters during walking in single- and dual-task conditions in patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA), (2) to evaluate the absolute and relative reliability of dual task effects (DTE) parameters, and (3) to determine the number of trials required to ensure reliable gait assessment, in patients with axSpA. Twenty patients with axSpa performed a 10-m walk test in single- and dual-task conditions, three times for each condition. Spatiotemporal, symmetry, and DTE gait parameters were calculated from foot-worn inertial sensors. The relative reliability (intraclass correlation coefficients-ICC) and absolute reliability (standard error of measurement-SEM and minimum detectable change-MDC) were calculated for these parameters in each condition. Spatiotemporal gait parameters showed good to excellent reliability in both conditions (0.59 < ICC < 0.90). The reliability of symmetry and DTE parameters was low. ICC, SEM, and MDC were better when using the mean of the second and the third trials. Spatiotemporal gait parameters obtained from foot-worn inertial sensors assessed in patients with axSpA in single- and dual-task conditions are reliable. However, symmetry and DTE parameters seem less reliable and need to be interpreted with caution. Finally, better reliability of gait parameters was found when using the mean of the 2nd and the 3rd trials.

Limitations of Foot-Worn Sensors for Assessing Running Power

“…A fixed prescription of power outputs to aim for during a workout might not relate in a reasonable way to the original indicator workout: Assume an athlete improves his/her RE between Day 1 and Day 100. Running the same course in the same time on both days might yield different power readings P 1 w and P 100 w . Since we assumed the RE to be improved, the relation between metabolic cost between Day 1 and Day 100 should be: VO 1 2 > VO 100 2 .…”

“…Running the same course in the same time on both days might yield different power readings P 1 w and P 100 w . Since we assumed the RE to be improved, the relation between metabolic cost between Day 1 and Day 100 should be: VO 1 2 > VO 100 2 . As there is no well-defined correlation betweenVO 2 and P W under a changing RE, the change between P 1 w and P 100 w could be zero or a change in either direction.…”

“…In the last decade, foot-worn sensors to assess and meaningfully analyze running metrics (e.g., step frequency, stride length, ground contact time) have gained increased attention and popularity [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 ]. These sensors are meant to improve laboratory and in-field testing and training by delivering key performance data.…”

“…These sensors are meant to improve laboratory and in-field testing and training by delivering key performance data. The data derived from foot-worn sensors comprise spatiotemporal running parameters, including running power [ 1 , 6 ]. These devices are designed to be independent of factors such as slope, wind resistance, or fatigue.…”

Measuring Spatiotemporal Parameters on Treadmill Walking Using Wearable Inertial System

“…It corresponds to an automated, neuro-muscular activity that voluntary control can modulate [ 2 ]. Monitoring spatiotemporal parameters of gait (SPT) is important to assess performance [ 3 ] and abnormalities [ 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 ] and predict overuse injuries [ 8 ].…”