Wearable gait analysis systems: ready to be used by medical practitioners in geriatric wards?

PURPOSE: We assess feasibility of wearable gait analysis in geriatric wards by testing the effectiveness and acceptance of the system. METHODS: Gait parameters of 83 patients (83.34 ± 5.88 years, 58/25 female/male) were recorded at admission and/or discharge to/from two geriatric inpatient wards. Gait parameters were tested for statistically significant differences between admission and discharge. Walking distance measured by a wearable gait analysis system was correlated with distance assessed by physiotherapists. Examiners rated usability using the system usability scale. Patients reported acceptability on a five-point Likert-scale. RESULTS: The total distance measures highly correlate (r = 0.89). System Usability Scale is above the median threshold of 68, indicating good usability. Majority of patients does not have objections regarding the use of the system. Among other gait parameters, mean heel strike angle changes significantly between admission and discharge. CONCLUSION: Wearable gait analysis system is objectively and subjectively usable in a clinical setting and accepted by patients. It offers a reasonably valid assessment of gait parameters and is a feasible way for instrumented gait analysis.