LEGSys: wireless gait evaluation system using wearable sensors

Measurement of gait parameters typically takes place in dedicated laboratory environments, which require space commitment, and expensive equipments such as multi-camera motion capture systems and force plates. Despite the high cost, a laboratory-bound approach limits the number of strides each person can take and the length of time the measurements last. To enable detailed measurement of gait in unconstrained environments, we are developing LEGSys#8482; (Locomotion Evaluation and Gait System), a portable gait evaluation system based on wearable motion sensors. LEGSys#8482; supports up to five small 9-degree-of-freedom (9DOF) inertial sensors to capture details of leg movements. The key advantages of this system include the capability of being used outside of gait laboratory, over ample walking distance and long duration of time, with different footwear conditions, and on different walking surfaces.