Standard Value of Three-dimensional Joint Kinematics during Gait in Healthy People Collected Using an Inertial Sensor-based Motion Capture System

Abstract

Objective：An inertial sensor-based motion capture system for rehabilitation therapy is feasible due to its simple measurement methods. However, a standard value must be used to evaluate or diagnose pathological gait kinematically. This study aimed to set a standard value by determining the averaged spatial-temporal parameter (STP) and range of motion (ROM) during gait in healthy participants.

Methods：This study included 177 healthy individuals, who were grouped into six groups according to gender (male and female) and age (young, middle, and old). All participants walked under two speed conditions (NORMAL or FAST) and the gait was captured with an inertial sensor-based motion capture system. Eight types of STP and fourteen types of ROM were calculated.

Results：Of the 132 variables (22 variables × 2 sexes × 3 ages), 123 variables for NORMAL and 112 variables for FAST followed the normal distribution. A main effect of age on walking velocity for FAST was noted but not for NORMAL. The middle and old ages depended on an increased cadence for maintaining walking velocity. Ankle and hip ROMs in the old were smaller than that in the young, and these differences were demonstrated more so during the FAST condition. There were gender differences in hip ROMs (men had greater internal-external rotation and women had greater flexion-extension).

Conclusion：The standard value can be determined from variables in gait assessment, for young to elderly, and gender-specific.