Temporal spatial parameters analysis of the gait in children with vision impairment

Abstract

This study compared the linear parameters between children who are blind and children with low vision. Six children who are blind and five children with low vision, aged between five and seven years (mean = 5.9 years old) were analysed by three-dimensional gait analysis and linear parameters of gait: velocity, cadence, stride length, and step width from 12 gait cycles. The comparison of the numerical variable was made using the Mann-Whitney Test. The only significant difference was found in stride length. The results suggested that an adapted gait provided stability which, in turn, improved balance. This finding seems to indicate the importance of commencing orientation and mobility (O&M) training as soon as possible to improve gait, balance, and movement with children who are blind or have low vision.

A Proposal of a Motion Measurement System to Support Visually Impaired People in Rehabilitation Using Low-Cost Inertial Sensors

“…In terms of coverage, an appropriate gait is crucial for the development of O&M abilities [ 49 ], therefore during the O&M training, the gait velocity and the stride length is being constantly visually evaluated by the rehabilitator. With this tool, the method to evaluate the step length for calculating the gait parameters (Stride Length and Gait Velocity) was developed using also absolute orientation angles.…”

Estimation of Spatio-Temporal Parameters of Gait and Posture of Visually Impaired People Using Wearable Sensors

“…However, the TWS method is more appropriate due to its greater accuracy. A rehabilitated gait that promotes enhanced stability can improve balance, emphasizing the importance of early initiation of orientation and mobility (O&M) training to enhance gait, balance and movement [ 1 ]. The gait patterns of visually impaired individuals differ from those without visual impairment.…”

“…Gait analysis plays a vital role in various health applications, but the use of optical motion analysis systems for measuring spatio-temporal gait parameters has limitations such as cost, fragility, lack of portability and resource requirements [ 1 ]. Inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensors have emerged as an alternative method for measuring gait parameters, capable of providing both gait and posture measurements by combining IMUs with magnetometers [ 2 ].…”

“…While wearable inertial sensors have gained attention in clinical research for the gait parameters of people with conditions such as stroke, Parkinson’s and multiple sclerosis, there is currently a dearth of studies focusing on VIP biomechanics [ 7 , 8 ]. Existing non-wearable systems for VIP gait analysis have limitations, and there are a lack of user-oriented wearable systems designed specifically for this purpose [ 1 ]. Moreover, most spatio-temporal gait parameter analyses for VIP have been developed using motion tracking systems, and the assessment of independent mobility and rehabilitation in orientation and mobility (O&M) typically relies on visual estimates rather than quantitative measurements [ 9 ].…”