Predictors of Step Length from Surface Electromyography and Body Impedance Analysis Parameters

Abstract

Step length is a critical hallmark of health status. However, few studies have investigated the modifiable factors that may affect step length. An exploratory, cross-sectional study was performed to evaluate the surface electromyography (sEMG) and body impedance analysis (BIA) parameters, combined with individual demographic data, to predict the individual step length using the GAITRite® system. Healthy participants aged 40–80 years were prospectively recruited, and three models were built to predict individual step length. The first model was the best-fit model (R2 = 0.244, p < 0.001); the root mean square (RMS) values at maximal knee flexion and height were included as significant variables. The second model used all candidate variables, except sEMG variables, and revealed that age, height, and body fat mass (BFM) were significant variables for predicting the average step length (R2 = 0.198, p < 0.001). The third model, which was used to predict step length without sEMG and BIA, showed that only age and height remained significant (R2 = 0.158, p < 0.001). This study revealed that the RMS value at maximal strength knee flexion, height, age, and BFM are important predictors for individual step length, and possibly suggesting that strengthening knee flexor function and reducing BFM may help improve step length.

Gait speed and individual characteristics are related to specific gait metrics in neurotypical adults

“…While no prior work has predicted peak anterior ground reaction force observed during neurotypical gait, one study has attempted to predict the step lengths of neurotypical adults using age, height, body impedance, and muscle activity. 43 Unfortunately, it is difficult to compare the performance of this model to the step length model reported here, as the model from Park, et al was not validated on an independent dataset and our dataset does not have body impedance or muscle activity measures.…”

Extracted step parameters during the Timed Up and Go test discriminate between groups with different levels of cognitive ability - A cross-sectional study.

“…Step length was calculated as the distance between posterior points of markers on the heel at heel-strike. Since step length is inherently related to body height [35],…”

Acute Fluid Intake Impacts Assessment of Body Composition via Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis. A Randomized, Controlled Crossover Pilot Trial

“…It has gained popularity due to its quick, easy and inexpensive application, becoming a valuable tool in clinical, scientific, and fitness settings [3,4]. Especially in the clinical setting, impedance measurements play a vital role in numerous areas, including electrical impedance tomography [5,6], impedance myography [7,8] or surface electromyography [9,10]. BIA measures the resistance of body tissues to an electrical current, sending an electrical signal through the body.…”