Article

Although inertial sensor systems are becoming a popular tool for gait analysis in
both healthy and pathological adult populations, there are currently no data on
the validity of these systems for use with children.
The purpose of this study
was to validate spatiotemporal data from a commercial inertial sensor system
(MobilityLab) in typically-developing children. Data from 10 children (5 males;
3.0-8.3 years, mean=5.1) were collected simultaneously from MobilityLab and 3D
motion capture during gait at self-selected and fast walking speeds.
Spatiotemporal parameters were compared between the two methods using a
Bland-Altman method. The results indicate that, while the temporal gait
measurements were similar between the two systems, MobilityLab demonstrated a
consistent bias with respect to measurement of the spatial data (stride length).
This error is likely due to differences in relative leg length and gait
characteristics in children compared to the MobilityLab adult reference
population used to develop the stride length algorithm. A regression-based
equation was developed based on the current data to correct the MobilityLab
stride length output. The correction was based on leg length, stride time, and
shank range-of-motion, each of which were independently associated with stride
length. Once the correction was applied, all of the spatiotemporal parameters
evaluated showed good agreement. The results of this study indicate that
MobilityLab is a valid tool for gait analysis in typically-developing children.
Further research is needed to determine the efficacy of this system for use in
children suffering from pathologies that impact gait mechanics.
CI - Copyright A(c) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS