A biomechanical model for the evaluation by electrogoniometry of spatio-temporal parameters during walking

Abstract

The aim of the study is to propose a new methodology to assess step length, duration and speed, using only two 1-degree-of-freedom electrogoniometers, positioned on hip and knee joints. To this purpose, a novel model was introduced, which represents the lower limb modelled as two rigid segments (thigh and shank). Model validation was performed comparing the results with those automatically achieved from two classic gait analysis systems (a 6-camera stereophotogrammetric system and GAITRite), during walking at three different speeds (natural, fast and slow). The absence of significant differences among parameter values estimated by the three systems indicates a strong reliability of the model. Thus, the study candidates this electrogoniometer-based model as a reliable and not expensive tool for an easy and flexible assessment of spatio-temporal gait parameters in normal subjects, and propose it as a valid alternative to traditional methods using foot switches, ground reaction forces, IMU or stereo-photogrammetric systems.