Assessment of walking quality by using Inertial Measurement Units

Abstract

A device for the gait analysis during a long-distance walking is important for the correct assessment of patients during the rehabilitation. This device should be able to measure all gait parameters in a single unit. In addition, it is required that the measurement system is not spatially constrained. In our group, we have been developing a new wireless system, namely WB-4R, composed of Inertial Measurement Units, to be used in rehabilitation centers for gait analysis that is cheap, small, and relatively maintenance-free. This paper presents the results of a pilot study conducted with healthy subjects. The system was able to detect the gait phase and provide frequency analysis of the angular velocity and acceleration of the lower limbs.