Validity of trunk accelerometric gait analysis: In comparison with analysis by force plate

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to investigate the validity of trunk accelerometric gait analysis in comparison with analysis by force plate for healthy young subjects. The trunk acceleration during normal gait was measured by the accelerometer attached at the level of third lumber vertebra (L3) and second sacral vertebra (S2). The Cross-correlation coefficients (CC) between the trunk acceleration and the center of body mass (COM) acceleration calculated from ground reaction force in lateral, antero-posterior, and vertical axis were evaluated. The CCs in antero-posterior and vertical axis showed high values, especially at the level of L3 were significantly higher than S2 (p<0.05). In contrast, the CCs in lateral axis showed low values regardless of accelerometer level. It was suggested that the trunk accelerations in antero-posterior and vertical axis at the level of L3 are useful as substitution of the COM accelerations for gait analysis.