Reliability testing of an IMU-based 2-segment foot model for clinical gait analysis

Bauer, Leandra; Hamberger, Maximilian Anselm; Böcker, Wolfgang; Polzer, Hans und Baumbach, Sebastian Felix (2024): Reliability testing of an IMU-based 2-segment foot model for clinical gait analysis. In: Gait & Posture, Bd. 114: S. 112-118

Abstract

Background The one of the most commonly used reference system for clinical gait analysis is an optical motion capture system (OMC) using a multi-segment foot model. A time- and cost-efficient alternative could be an inertial measurement unit (IMU)-based systems. However, these are limited to a single segment approach for the foot and ankle. Therefore, the current setup was modified to be based on a 2-segment foot model, allowing for a separate analysis of the hind- and midfoot. The study aimed to evaluate the reliability (inter-rater, intra-rater, and test-retest reliability) of an IMU-based 2-segment foot model.

Material and methods Twelve healthy subjects were recruited to test the inter-rater, intra-rater, and test-retest reliability of the new IMU based 2-segment foot model. Gait analysis was performed on a treadmill at a constant speed of 4 km/h. Kinematic data of the tibia/hindfoot, tibia/forefoot and hindfoot/forefoot over 100 % gait cycle were analyzed. The reliability was tested by using statistical parametric mapping (SPM) and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC).

Results The SPM showed no significant difference for inter-, intra-rater, and test-retest reliability, but for a small segment of tibia/forefoot dorsiflexion test-retest reliability (2.1° difference). The single standard deviation measurement error for the sagittal and transverse plane was <5° and worse for the frontal plane.

Conclusion The new 2-segment foot model revealed a high inter-rater, intra-rater, and test-retest reliability. It is suitable for use in adult clinical practice. Still, comparative data to the OMC system using a multi-segment foot model are missing.

• Dokumententyp: Zeitschriftenartikel
• Fakultät: Medizin > Klinikum der LMU München > MUM - Muskuloskelettales Universitätszentrum München
• Themengebiete: 600 Technik, Medizin, angewandte Wissenschaften > 610 Medizin und Gesundheit
• ISSN: 09666362
• Sprache: Englisch