2020 Volume 25 Pages 81-93
A major factor for increased fall risk is the loss of muscle strength in the lower limb. However, current methods for measuring the muscle strength of the lower limb involve the use of large-scale measuring equipment. Therefore, an easier method using a home-based device for measuring the muscle strength is required. In the present study, relation between muscle strength and daily gait parameters are calculated as a correlation analysis. Gait movement of 43 healthy elderly participants in both indoor and outdoor areas is measured using inertial sensors on ankles. Thereafter, gait parameters are calculated as amplitude parameters (such as maximum and minimum values) and frequency parameters (such as maximum and median values) of acceleration and angular velocity waveform. Correlation coefficient between each parameter and lower limb muscle strength were calculated. Effective parameters to estimate muscle strength in the lower limb were selected and discussed. As a result, the highest correlation coefficient observed between muscle strength and the parameters was 0.47 for indoor walking and 0.49 for outdoor walking. These values of correlation coefficient are similar to those reported in a previous study. Furthermore, we selected different parameters for indoor and outside gait. The angular velocity parameter by ankle flexion was selected for indoor gait, whereas, the lateral acceleration parameter was selected for outdoor gait.
