Accuracy and comparison of sensor‑based gait speed estimations under standardized and daily life conditions in children undergoing rehabilitation

Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation, 2022 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12984-022-01079-3 · Published: September 8, 2022

Assistive Technology Pediatrics Biomechanics

Simple Explanation

This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of a new method for measuring walking speed in children undergoing rehabilitation, using a sensor worn on the ankle. The study compared walking speeds measured in a controlled test setting with those measured during the children's normal daily activities at the clinic. The findings suggest that the ankle sensor method is accurate and can be used to monitor children's walking performance in their everyday environment after rehabilitation.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

24 children with walking impairments

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
The measurement error of the sensor-based gait speed estimation was low in both standardized (0.01 m/s) and daily life (0.04 m/s) conditions.
2
Most children exhibited different walking speeds during standardized tests compared to their daily activities.
3
The study provides recommendations for sensor placement to optimize accuracy, suggesting the less affected side unless an orthosis is worn.

Research Summary

This study evaluated the accuracy of a novel algorithm for estimating gait speed in children undergoing rehabilitation using a single ankle-worn inertial sensor. The algorithm showed accurate gait speed estimations in both standardized and daily life conditions, with measurement errors of 0.01 ± 0.07 m/s and 0.04 ± 0.06 m/s, respectively. The study also found that most children did not walk at the same speed in the standardized test as in their daily life, supporting the use of wearable sensors to assess walking performance in real-world settings.

Practical Implications

Rehabilitation Monitoring

Wearable sensors can accurately monitor children's gait speed in their daily lives, providing valuable data for rehabilitation programs.

Personalized Therapy

Understanding the differences in gait speed between standardized tests and daily life can inform personalized therapy goals.

Sensor Placement

Placing the sensor on the less affected side or the side with an orthosis optimizes the accuracy of gait speed measurements.

Study Limitations

1
The daily life condition was limited to straight and flat hallways inside the clinic, potentially underestimating measurement errors compared to more variable real-world environments.
2
The algorithm needs to be combined with a walking detection algorithm for application to unlabeled daily life data, which may increase the measurement error.
3
The study design did not allow for disentangling the influence of speed and assistive devices on the measurement error.

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