Periodical gait asymmetry assessment using real-time wireless gyroscopes gait monitoring system

Abstract

A real-time gait monitoring system that incorporates an immediate and periodical assessment of gait asymmetry is described. This system was designed for gait analysis and rehabilitation of patients with pathologic gait. It employs wireless gyroscopes to measure the angular rate of the thigh and shank in real time. Cross-correlation of the lower extremity (Cc_norm), and normalized Symmetry Index (SI_norm) are implemented as new approaches to periodically determine the gait asymmetry in each gait cycle. Cc_norm evaluates the signal patterns measured by wireless gyroscopes in each gait cycle. SI_norm determines the movement differences between the left and right limb. An experimental study was conducted to examine the viability of these methods. Artificial asymmetrical gait was simulated by placing a load on one side of the limbs. Results showed that there were significant differences between the normal gait and asymmetrical gait (p < 0.01). They also indicated that the system worked well in periodically assessing the gait asymmetry.

Keywords::

• Wireless gyroscope
• Gait asymmetry
• Gait monitoring system

Acknowledgement

This work is partially supported by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) Malaysia under e-Science grant No. 03-02-10-SF0028 with the title “Bio-Inspired Robotic Devices for Sportsman Screening Service (BIRDSSS)”.

Declaration of interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.