Abstract
Objectives. Smartphone-based gait assessment provides a novel method to evaluate fatigue. This study aimed to examine self-reported fatigue and gait parameters recorded using a smartphone before and after an 8-h work day in bank workers, and identify the relationship between self-reported fatigue and gait parameters. Methods. One hundred bank workers (aged 20–45 years) were tested before and after an 8-h work day using a reaction time test, self-reported fatigue scale and gait test. Spearman correlation coefficient analysis and partial least squares regression were used to identify the relationship between self-reported fatigue and gait parameters. Results. Reaction time and self-reported fatigue increased significantly after work. Gait parameters (step frequency, minimum acceleration, acceleration root mean square, step regularity and step counts) decreased; step time and step time variability increased significantly (p < 0.05). We found a significant correlation between changes (Δ) for Δwork engagement and Δstep frequency (r = −0.20, p < 0.05), Δwork engagement and Δstep time (r = 0.21, p < 0.05), and Δwork tasks and Δstep symmetry (r = −0.20, p < 0.05). Conclusion. This study suggests that step frequency, step time and step symmetry measured using a smartphone have the potential to be used as predictors of work fatigue.
Acknowledgements
The authors thank all of the participants.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.