Gait analysis

Gait analysis, the kinematic and kinetic analysis of locomotion has historically been conducted in gait labs, involving optical/optoelectronic cameras in a given recording volume. Generally, force plates lie in the pathway to allow for joint moment calculations.

Gait Analysis with Xsens inertial sensor technology

Xsens inertial sensor technology provides the freedom to conduct gait analysis anywhere.

The Xsens MVN BIOMECH is a full-body motion analysis system with 17 inertial motion trackers (MTx). Based on a biomechanical model MVN BIOMECH provides 3D joint angles, body Centre of Mass as well as temporal parameters such as segment position, facilitating gait analysis. Using Xsens KiC algorithm, highly accurate joint angles are provided, without the need for heading information, from magnetometers.

Xsens Xbus kit is a system allowing 2 to a maximum of 10 MTx, transmitting data to a single Xbus Master. Output data includes 3D orientation, acceleration, angular velocity of each motion tracker. Data is wirelessly transmitted to a wireless receivers connected via USB to the PC running the Xsens Software. Placing MTx on the feet and legs, with additional trackers recommended on the upper body for trunk movement.

Xsens MTw Development Kit is the first completely wireless system from Xsens. With full-body straps, each MTw can be securely clicked into place onto the body. With highly accurate orientation and sensor component output data, the MTw can be used anywhere for all kinds of applications, including gait analysis - with the barometer, atmospheric data can help determine height changes, enabling gait analysis, even of stair climbing.

References gait analysis

A few selections of scientific papers about gait analysis:

Garofalo P., Raggi M., Ferrari A., Cutti A. G., Davalli A., “Measure of the 3D gait kinematics in real-life environments through the Outwalk protocol: Development of the end-user clinical software”, Gait & Posture, Volume 30, Supplement 2, 18th Annual General Meeting of European Society of Movement Analysis in Adults and Children - ESMAC 2009, November 2009, Pages S132-S133, ISSN 0966-6362, DOI: 10.1016/j.gaitpost.2009.08.198.

Cutti AG, Ferrari A, Garofalo P, Raggi M, Cappello A, Ferrari A. “'Outwalk': a protocol for clinical gait analysis based on inertial and magnetic sensors.” Med Biol Eng Comput. 2010 Jan;48(1):17-25.

Ferrari A, Cutti AG, Garofalo P, Raggi M, Heijboer M, Cappello A, Davalli A. “First in vivo assessment of "Outwalk": a novel protocol for clinical gait analysis based on inertial and magnetic sensors.” Med Biol Eng Comput. 2010 Jan;48(1):1-15.

Raggi M, Tura A, Rocchi L, Cutti AG, Orlandini D, Chiari L, “Gait analysis through inertial sensors in transfemoral amputees: Step and stride regularity” GAIT & POSTURE, Vol. 24, Suppl. 1, Pg. S17-S18

Raggi M, Cutti AG, Giovanardi A, Chiari L, Orlandini D, Davalli A, “Wearable sensors for the real-time assessment of gait temporal symmetry in above-knee amputees: a validation study” GAIT & POSTURE, Vol. 28, Suppl. 1, August 2008, Pages S31-S32

More projects concerning gait analysis:

> TUBA Project
> IMPULSE Project

More information gait analysis?