Gait parameters assessed with inertial measurement unit during 6-minute walk test in people after stroke

Abstract

Gait impairments are among the main issues for stroke survivors as they are often linked with a lack of endurance capacity, balance impairments and functional limitations. These conditions can be carefully assessed by combining an endurance capacity test, the 6-minute walk test (6MWT), with the analysis of gait performed by an inertial measurement unit (IMU). We investigated the evolution of gait spatiotemporal and kinematic parameters during the 6MWT and compared it with age-matched healthy subjects. Moreover, gait parameters and 6MWT distance were associated with clinical outcome scales. In a postacute rehabilitation general hospital, we performed an observational study. Subjects with a single cortical stroke were recruited into the stroke group (SG). An age-matched healthy group (HG) was also recruited. All participants performed a 6MWT while wearing an IMU. The outcomes considered were 6MWT distance, gait spatiotemporal and kinematic parameters, and symmetry. Before the test at each subject, in the SG was administered Berg balance scale, Canadian neurological stroke scale and motricity index. 32 subjects were recruited into the SG, and 12 into the HG. Between the paretic and nonparetic limbs of the SG, there were differences in the stance phase and single support phase (P < 0.05). SG gait speed and stride length strongly correlated with balance, strength and disability scales. The SG walked fewer meters than the HG (Δ = −260.90 m; P < 0.001). Adopting an IMU during a 6mwt resulted valuable and effective in providing meaningful information regarding both the disability and functional capabilities of SG subjects.

Reliability and Validity of a Wearable Sensing System and Online Gait Analysis Report in Persons after Stroke

“…Finally, differences were observed in the gait metrics between the affected and less-affected legs, as well as between the 10MWT and 6MWT, with a shorter stance phase, a prolonged swing phase, and a decreased range of motion in the hip, knee, and ankle joints of the affected leg compared with the less-affected leg. During the 6MWT, all joint ranges were larger and step width was shorter when compared with the metrics of the 10MWT, which is in accordance with existing research on different walking speeds [ 4 , 50 ] and distances [ 51 ]. The 6MWT was performed on a 60 m long pathway, which provided reasonable space for accelerating and decelerating walking speed and harmonizing gait patterns in contrast to the 10MWT set up.…”

“…The correlation between clinical and sensor-based gait measures of the affected leg followed the expected assumptions for most of the outcomes. An increase in step length showed strong relationships with improved results in the 10MWT, 6MWT, and TUG, as well as moderate associations with MI-LE [ 51 ]. Further, an increase in stance phase duration was negatively associated with the results on the 10MWT, 6MWT, MI-LE, and TUG.…”

“…The increases in swing phase duration were moderately associated with worse results in 6MWT, 10MWT, and TUG, as well as moderately associated with lower knee flexion/extension ranges. There was a prolonged swing phase duration that was reported in stroke-related gait impairments [ 60 ] and might be caused by muscle weakness and/or spasticity in the affected limb as well as step length differences [ 51 , 60 , 61 ]. Furthermore, Garland et al found relationships between increased swing phase duration and hamstring muscle weakness [ 62 ].…”

Spatiotemporal parameters and gait variability in people with psoriatic arthritis (PsA): a cross‐sectional study

“…Body-worn IMUs for gait analysis are more than ever used in clinical assessment and clinical studies in several neurological diseases, such as Parkinson's disease, stroke, and multiple sclerosis [65][66][67]. These systems are easy to use, time-and cost-effective, do not require special equipment or expertise, and could be used in different settings.…”

Knowledge Gaps in Biophysical Changes After Powered Robotic Exoskeleton Walking by Individuals With Spinal Cord Injury—A Scoping Review

“…However, it may be more accurate to opt for more measurable metrics, such as the amount of pain killer medication consumed, defecation time, which can aid in making comparison across studies, since their methodologies can be verified and replicated more reliably, and placebo effects can be accounted for. Additionally, data obtained from bread and butter physical tests, such as the 6-min walking test (6MWT), can be further enhanced with the use of accessory devices, to provide greater insight into the functional status of the patient ( 98 ).…”