Towards a Mobile Gait Analysis for Patients with a Spinal Cord Injury: A Robust Algorithm Validated for Slow Walking Speeds

Sensors, 2021 · DOI: 10.3390/s21217381 · Published: November 6, 2021

Spinal Cord Injury Assistive Technology Biomechanics

Simple Explanation

This study introduces a new way to analyze how people with spinal cord injuries walk, using sensors attached to their ankles. This method aims to be practical for everyday clinical use, unlike complex lab setups. The algorithm adapts to each person’s unique walking style, making it more reliable for those with different gait patterns and walking speeds. The research confirms that this sensor-based analysis works well, even at slow walking speeds typical of SCI patients, making it useful for tracking progress during rehabilitation.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

9 SCI patients and 17 healthy controls

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
The sensor-based algorithm performs similarly well for both SCI patients and healthy controls.
2
The algorithm is robust enough to cover the diverse gait deficits of SCI patients, from slow (0.3 m/s) to preferred walking speeds.
3
The algorithm uses personalized thresholds to detect steps and gait events according to the individual gait profiles, enhancing its robustness.

Research Summary

This study introduces a sensor-based gait analysis algorithm designed specifically for SCI patients, utilizing shank-mounted inertial sensors and personalized thresholds for step and gait event detection. The algorithm was validated on SCI patients and healthy controls, demonstrating its robustness in covering diverse gait deficits, including slow walking speeds. The findings suggest that the proposed algorithm is suitable for monitoring daily clinical routines and assessing the walking performance of SCI patients, offering potential for precision locomotor therapy.

Practical Implications

Clinical Gait Assessment Extension

The algorithm can extend current clinical walking assessments to include markers of walking quality.

High-Density Locomotor Activity Measurement

It enables high-density measurement of locomotor activity within and outside of clinical therapy sessions.

Next-Generation Precision Locomotor Therapy

It is a necessary building block to achieve the leap to next-generation precision locomotor therapy.

Study Limitations

1
Validation was performed in a controlled setting with steady-state straight walking on a treadmill.
2
The algorithm has been validated in nine SCI patients only due to limited patient availability.
3
Application of the algorithm to walking involving turns, uneven ground, or obstacles should be approached with caution.

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