Examination of the gait evaluation index using shoes with built-in motion sensors: intra-rater reliability during comfortable walking and fastest walking

Abstract

[Purpose] To determine the intra-rater reliability of gait evaluation data obtained using shoes equipped with built-in motion sensors. [Participants and Methods] Thirteen healthy adults were recruited and gait evaluation data (stride length, stride speed, stride duration, stance phase duration, and swing phase duration) were obtained during comfortable and fastest possible walking. Gait evaluation was repeated after a one-week interval. The intra-class correlation coefficients and systematic errors of the gait evaluation data during comfortable walking and fastest walking were determined. [Results] The test-retest gait assessment data had good intra-rater reliability. No systematic errors were observed in any of the gait evaluation data. [Conclusion] Intra-rater reliability of gait evaluation using shoes with in-built motion sensors was verified, indicating that these data can be used for clinical applications.