Cross-Comparisons of Gait Speeds by Automatic Sensors and a Stopwatch to Provide Converting Formula Between Measuring Modalities

Abstract

Background: We aimed to compare 4 automatic devices with a conventional stopwatch for measuring gait speed. Methods: We used 4 experimental devices to automatically measure gait speed: 1) Gaitspeedometer (GSM) 1, with laser sensors; 2) GSM2, with ultrasound sensors; 3) GSM3, with infrared sensors; and 4) GSM4, with a light detection and ranging sensor. To assess compatibility between different versions of GSMs, we collected 426 data points from 4 young engineers walking at random speeds and with varying postures. We used these data to convert gait speed measured by GSM1 and 2 for compatibility with GSM3 in the Korean Frailty and Aging Cohort Study (KFACS) dataset. Results: Mean gait speeds measured with GSMs 1-4 were 1.7% slower (R 2 =0.997), 12.2% faster (R 2 =0.993), 1.3% slower (R 2 =0.999), and 4.3% slower (R 2 =0.996), respectively, than the gait speed measured with a stopwatch. The concordance correlation coefficient between each GSM and the stopwatch was higher than 0.9. Using linear regression analysis with no constant term, conversion formulas for GSMs were established for the KFACS dataset using GSM1 and GSM2. Conclusion: The 4 methods of automatic gait speed measurement and the manually measured gait speed correlated well with each other, and we hope these new technologies reduce barriers to measuring older people's gait speed in busy clinical settings.

What is the Optimal Tool to Measure Gait Speed in a Clinical Setting?

“…Our laboratory measures gait speed using automatic sensors and manual stopwatch. We agree with the results of the study performed by Jung et al 11) in their cross-comparisons of gait speed measured using four different versions of automatic sensors and a conventional stopwatch. Until now, gait speed has mainly been measured manually using a stopwatch in clinical settings; however, gait speed assessment requires more accurate and consistent measurement for assessing the physical function in older adults.…”

“…8,9) However, with the emerging importance of gait speed measurement, automatic sensors are increasingly used for more accurate measurement. 10) We read the article by Jung et al 11) with great interest. Our laboratory measures gait speed using automatic sensors and manual stopwatch.…”

Validation of a Multi–Sensor‐Based Kiosk for Short Physical Performance Battery

“…Fourth, we performed walking speed measurement for the eSPPB and mSPPB in separate spaces, and this might have resulted in an apparently higher discrepancy between manually measured walking speed and sensor-based walking speed in contrast to a previous report. 13 Based on our initial findings, further research with the eSPPB in a large longitudinal setting may resolve these drawbacks.…”

“…For balance, we used a load cell array composed of 16 load cells that could detect the two‐dimensional location of each foot and measure the weights applied on the load cells every 10 milliseconds. For walking speed, we used a previously validated one‐dimensional light detection and ranging (LiDAR) sensor that could measure the distance between the sensor and the participants once in every 10 milliseconds and produced a distance‐time curve of the participants while walking . For the five‐times chair stand, we combined two sensors: a load cell embedded chair, which can measure the weights of the sitting participants every 10 milliseconds; and a LiDAR sensor to measure the distance between the buttocks of the participant and the chair.…”

“…For walking speed, we used a previously validated one-dimensional light detection and ranging (LiDAR) sensor that could measure the distance between the sensor and the participants once in every 10 milliseconds and produced a distance-time curve of the participants while walking. 13 For the five-times chair stand, we combined two sensors: a load cell embedded chair, which can measure the weights of the sitting participants every 10 milliseconds; and a LiDAR sensor to measure the distance between the buttocks of the participant and the chair. These three components were connected to a computer and controlled by a program that could perform the SPPB protocol in a standard manner with graphic and voice instructions.…”