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Comprehensive measurement of stroke gait characteristics with a single accelerometer in the laboratory and community. A feasibility, validity and reliability study

Lookup NU author(s): Sarah Moore, Aodhan Hickey, Dr Susan Lord, Dr Silvia Del DinORCiD, Dr Alan Godfrey, Professor Lynn RochesterORCiD

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0).


Abstract

Background: Application of objective measurement of stroke gait with accelerometer-based wearable technology and associated algorithms is increasing, despite reports questioning the accuracy of this technique in quantifying specific stroke-related gait impairments. The aim of this study is to determine the feasibility, validity and reliability of a low-cost open-source system incorporating algorithms and a single tri-axial accelerometer-based wearable to quantify gait characteristics in the laboratory and community post-stroke. Methods: 25 participants with stroke wore the wearable (AX3, Axivity) on the lower back during a laboratory two minute continuous walk (preferred pace) on two occasions a week apart and continuously in the community for two consecutive seven day periods. Video, instrumented walkway (GaitRite) and an OPAL accelerometer-based wearable were used as laboratory references. Results: Feasibility of the proposed system wasgood. The system was valid for measuring step count (ICC 0.899). Inherent differences in gait quantification between algorithm and GaitRite resulted in difficulties comparing agreement between the different systems. Agreement was moderate-excellent (ICC 0.503-0.936) for mean and variability gait characteristics vs. OPAL. Agreement was moderate-poor between the system and OPAL for asymmetry characteristics. Moderate-excellent reliability (ICC 0.534-0.857) was demonstrated for 11/14 laboratory measured gait characteristics. Community test-retest reliability was good-excellent (ICC 0.867-0.983) for all except one (ICC 0.699) of the 19 gait characteristics. Conclusion: The proposed system is a low-cost, reliable tool for quantifying gait post-stroke with multiple potential applications. Further refinement to optimise gait quantification algorithms for certain gait characteristics including gait asymmetry is required.


Publication metadata

Author(s): Moore SA, Hickey A, Lord S, Del Din S, Godfrey A, Rochester L

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation

Year: 2017

Volume: 14

Online publication date: 29/12/2017

Acceptance date: 13/12/2017

Date deposited: 13/12/2017

ISSN (electronic): 1743-0003

Publisher: BioMed Central Ltd.

URL: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12984-017-0341-z

DOI: 10.1186/s12984-017-0341-z


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Funding

Funder referenceFunder name
Health Education England
Medical Research Council Centenary award
MRC
National Institute for Health Research
NIHR/Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Facility (CRF)

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