Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
design parameters. Then, the localization stage
is presented with its initial and core localization
phases. Afterward, results based on actual mea-
surements are provided for the verification of the
measurement accuracy of our proposed system.
Then, sensor-fusion, overall system power con-
sumption, and battery lifetime are provided. Future
research directions are then discussed. Finally,
conclusions are provided in the last section.
recognizing the symmetry of movement, where
the patients should be observed while walking
for some distance (Gross, Fetto et al. 2002). It
is sometimes necessary to watch patients walk-
ing for a long distance or even outdoors. The
biomechanical approach to movement analysis
can be qualitative, with movement observed and
described, or quantitative, by the measurement
of different movement aspects (Joseph 2008).
Biomechanical analysis can be conducted from
either of two perspectives: namely, kinematic or
kinetic analysis. Kinematic analysis involves the
description of movement, where position, velocity,
and acceleration are the components of interest.
Kinetics is the area of study that examines the
forces acting on a system, such as the human
body. Kinetic movement analysis examines the
forces causing movement (Gross, Fetto et al.
2002; Cappozzo, Della Croce et al. 2005; Joseph
2008). Typically, a kinetic movement analysis
is more difficult than a kinematic analysis. The
examination of both the kinematic and kinetic
components is essential to the assessment of all
aspects of movement (Gross, Fetto et al. 2002;
Cappozzo, Della Croce et al. 2005).
In locomotion studies, a walking or running
cycle is generally defined as the period from the
contact of one foot on the ground to the next contact
of the same foot. The gait cycle is usually broken
down into two phases, referred to as the stance or
support phase and the swing phase (MacWilliams
and and D'Astous 2002; Ferrari, Benedetti et al.
2008; Joseph 2008). In the stance or support phase,
the foot is in contact with the ground. The support
phase can also be broken down into sub-phases.
The first half of the support phase is the braking
phase, which starts with a loading or heel-strike
phase and ends at mid-support. The second half of
the support phase is the propulsion phase, which
starts at mid-stance and continues to terminal
stance and then to pre-swing as the foot prepares
to leave the ground. The swing or non-contact
phase is the period when the foot is not in contact
with the ground, and it can be further subdivided
BACKGROUND
Overview of Gait Analysis
and Currently Available
Measurement Technologies
Gait analysis refers to the measurement, de-
scription, and assessment of the quantities that
characterize the human locomotion, where mus-
culoskeletal functions are quantitatively evaluated
through the measurement of joint kinematics and
kinetics (Gross, Fetto et al. 2002). The core part
of gait analysis depends on the measurement of
joint kinematics and kinetics. Other measure-
ments include electromyography (EMG), oxygen
consumption, and foot pressure. Gait analysis
and the construction of a precise body model are
important not only for the biomechanical research,
but also for characterizing diseases that affect
mobility (Gross, Fetto et al. 2002; Joseph 2008).
Basically, gait is described as either normal or
abnormal gait. Normal gait is the efficient move-
ment of the body, where the expended energy dur-
ing movement is minimized. Any deviation from
the minimal energy expenditure causes abnormal
gait, (Cappozzo, Della Croce et al. 2005; Joseph
2008). Typically, the evaluation of abnormal gait
requires the knowledge of normal movement
biomechanics. Commonly, the occurrence of gait
abnormalities is because of pain, abnormal range
of motion, and leg-length discrepancy (Gross,
Fetto et al. 2002; Cappozzo, Della Croce et al.
2005). The key to observing abnormal gait is by
Search WWH ::
Custom Search