1
|
Valenciano PJ, Monteiro PHM, Lazzaro IM, Heusi da Silva FJM, Silva FH, Mizrahi SE, Guimarães CP, Teixeira LA. Validation of the Equidyn protocol for evaluation of dynamic balance in older adults through a smartphone application. Gait Posture 2024; 111:59-64. [PMID: 38643633 DOI: 10.1016/j.gaitpost.2024.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Different tasks and proxy measurements have been employed to evaluate dynamic balance in older individuals. However, due to inherent limitations, results from most evaluations could hardly be taken as valid measurements of dynamic balance. RESEARCH QUESTION Is the Equidyn smartphone application-based protocol valid and sensitive for assessment of dynamic balance in older adults? METHODS Dynamic balance was evaluated in 52 physically active individuals, age range 60-80 years (M = 69.36). The dynamic tasks were one-leg sway either in the mediolateral (ML) or anteroposterior (AP) direction while supported on the contralateral leg, and cyclic sit-to-stand with a narrow support base. These tasks were performed under standardized movement amplitude and rhythm. Outcomes were correlated with unipedal quiet standing. A smartphone was attached to the trunk backside, and a custom-made application (Equidyn) was employed to provide guidance throughout evaluation, timed beeps to pace the movements, and three-dimensional trunk acceleration measurement for balance evaluation. RESULTS Our data showed (a) that both ML and AP leg sway tasks were sensitive to aging and to direction of leg sway movements; (b) referenced to quiet unipedal stance, moderate/strong correlations for the ML/AP leg sway tasks and moderate correlations for the sit-to-stand task; and (c) moderate/strong correlations between the ML and AP leg sway tasks, and moderate correlations between the sit-to-stand and the two unipedal dynamic tasks in the ML acceleration direction. SIGNIFICANCE The current results support the conclusion that the Equidyn protocol is a sensitive and valid tool to evaluate dynamic balance in healthy older individuals. The protocol tasks standardized in amplitude and rhythm favor their reproducibility and trunk acceleration data interpretation. As the whole assessment is made through a smartphone application, this dynamic balance evaluation could be made in a low-cost simple way both in the laboratory and clinical settings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paola Janeiro Valenciano
- Human Motor Systems Laboratory, School of Physical Education and Sport, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | | | - Isabela Montoro Lazzaro
- Human Motor Systems Laboratory, School of Physical Education and Sport, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | - Luis Augusto Teixeira
- Human Motor Systems Laboratory, School of Physical Education and Sport, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Chardon M, Barbieri FA, Petit P, Vuillerme N. Reliability of Obstacle-Crossing Parameters during Overground Walking in Young Adults. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 24:3387. [PMID: 38894176 PMCID: PMC11174552 DOI: 10.3390/s24113387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2024] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
We aimed to evaluate the intra-session relative and absolute reliability of obstacle-crossing parameters during overground walking in young adults, and to determine the number of trials required to ensure reliable assessment. We analysed data from 43 young male adults who were instructed to walk at a self-selected velocity on a pathway and to step over an obstacle (height = 15 cm; width = 80 cm, thickness = 2 cm) three times. Spatial-temporal gait parameters of the approaching and crossing phases (i.e., before and after the obstacle) and obstacle clearance parameters (i.e., vertical and horizontal distance between the foot and the obstacle during crossing) were computed using a three-dimensional motion analysis system. Intraclass correlation coefficients were used to compute the relative reliability, while standard error of measurement and minimal detectable change were used to assess the absolute reliability for all possible combinations between trials. Results showed that most spatial-temporal gait parameters and obstacle clearance parameters are reliable using the average of three trials. However, the mean of the second and third trials ensures the best relative and absolute reliabilities of most obstacle-crossing parameters. Further works are needed to generalize these results in more realistic conditions and in other populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Chardon
- AGEIS (Autonomie, Gérontologie, E-Santé, Imagerie et Société), Université Grenoble Alpes, 38000 Grenoble, France; (M.C.); (P.P.)
- Human Movement Research Laboratory (MOVI-LAB), Department of Physical Education, Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), Bauru 17033-360, SP, Brazil
| | - Fabio Augusto Barbieri
- Human Movement Research Laboratory (MOVI-LAB), Department of Physical Education, Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), Bauru 17033-360, SP, Brazil
| | - Pascal Petit
- AGEIS (Autonomie, Gérontologie, E-Santé, Imagerie et Société), Université Grenoble Alpes, 38000 Grenoble, France; (M.C.); (P.P.)
| | - Nicolas Vuillerme
- AGEIS (Autonomie, Gérontologie, E-Santé, Imagerie et Société), Université Grenoble Alpes, 38000 Grenoble, France; (M.C.); (P.P.)
- Institut Universitaire de France, 75005 Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Janeiro Valenciano P, Emiliano Castan V, Henrique Martins Monteiro P, Augusto Teixeira L. Symmetric unipedal balance in quiet stance and dynamic tasks in older individuals. Brain Res 2024; 1830:148850. [PMID: 38460718 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2024.148850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/11/2024]
Abstract
Previous evidence of increased difference of muscular strength between the dominant and non-dominant legs in older adults suggests the possibility of dissimilar balance control between the legs (between-leg asymmetry) associated with aging. In the current investigation, we evaluated between-leg asymmetries in older adults when performing quiet and dynamic balance tasks. Fifty-two physically active and healthy older adults within the age range of 60 to 80 years were recruited. Participants performed balance tasks in unipedal stance, including quiet standing and cyclic sway (rhythmic oscillation) of the non-supporting leg in the anteroposterior or mediolateral directions, producing foot displacements with amplitudes of 20 cm paced in 1 Hz through a metronome. Body balance was evaluated through trunk accelerometry, by using the sensors embedded into a smartphone fixed at the height of the 10th-12th thoracic spines. Analysis revealed lack of significant differences in balance control between the legs either when comparing the right versus left or the preferred versus non-preferred legs, regardless of whether they were performing quiet stance or dynamic tasks. Further examination of the data showed high between-leg correlation coefficients (rs range: 0.71-0.84) across all tasks. Then, our results indicated symmetric and associated between-leg balance control in the examined older adults.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paola Janeiro Valenciano
- Human Motor Systems Laboratory, School of Physical Education and Sport, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Victória Emiliano Castan
- Human Motor Systems Laboratory, School of Physical Education and Sport, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | | | - Luis Augusto Teixeira
- Human Motor Systems Laboratory, School of Physical Education and Sport, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Olsen S, Rashid U, Barbado D, Suresh P, Alder G, Khan Niazi I, Taylor D. The validity of smartphone-based spatiotemporal gait measurements during walking with and without head turns: Comparison with the GAITRite® system. J Biomech 2024; 162:111899. [PMID: 38128468 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2023.111899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Smartphone accelerometry has potential to provide clinicians with specialized gait analysis not available in most clinical settings. The Gait&Balance Application (G&B App) uses smartphone accelerometry to assess spatiotemporal gait parameters under two conditions: walking looking straight ahead and walking with horizontal head turns. This study investigated the validity of G&B App gait parameters compared with the GAITRite® pressure-sensitive walkway. Healthy young and older adults (age range 21-85 years) attended a single session where a smartphone was secured over the lumbosacral junction. Data were collected concurrently with the app and GAITRite® systems as participants completed the two walking conditions. Spatiotemporal gait parameters for 54 participants were determined from both systems and agreement evaluated with partial Pearson's correlation coefficients and limits of agreement. The results demonstrated moderate to excellent validity for G&B App measures of step time (rp 0.97, 95 % CI [0.96, 0.98]), walking speed (rp 0.83 [0.78, 0.87]), and step length (rp 0.74, [0.66, 0.80]) when walking looking straight ahead, and results were comparable with head turns. The validity of walking speed and step length measures was influenced by sex and height. G&B App measures of step length variability, step time variability, step length asymmetry, and step time asymmetry had poor validity. The G&B App has potential to provide valid measures of unilateral and bilateral step time, unilateral and bilateral step length, and walking speed, under two walking conditions in healthy young and older adults. Further research should validate this tool in clinical conditions and optimise the algorithm for demographic characteristics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sharon Olsen
- Rehabilitation Innovation Centre, Health and Rehabilitation Research Institute, Auckland University of Technology, Private Bag 92006, Auckland 1142, New Zealand.
| | - Usman Rashid
- Rehabilitation Innovation Centre, Health and Rehabilitation Research Institute, Auckland University of Technology, Private Bag 92006, Auckland 1142, New Zealand; Centre for Chiropractic Research, New Zealand College of Chiropractic, PO Box 113-044, Newmarket, Auckland 1149, New Zealand
| | - David Barbado
- Department of Sport Science, Sports Research Centre, Miguel Hernandez University of Elche, Avda. de la Universidad s/n, Elche 03202, Spain; Institute for Health and Biomedical Research (ISABIAL Foundation), Avda. Pintor Baeza, 12 HGUA, Alicante 03550, Spain
| | - Priyadharshini Suresh
- Rehabilitation Innovation Centre, Health and Rehabilitation Research Institute, Auckland University of Technology, Private Bag 92006, Auckland 1142, New Zealand
| | - Gemma Alder
- Rehabilitation Innovation Centre, Health and Rehabilitation Research Institute, Auckland University of Technology, Private Bag 92006, Auckland 1142, New Zealand
| | - Imran Khan Niazi
- Rehabilitation Innovation Centre, Health and Rehabilitation Research Institute, Auckland University of Technology, Private Bag 92006, Auckland 1142, New Zealand; Centre for Chiropractic Research, New Zealand College of Chiropractic, PO Box 113-044, Newmarket, Auckland 1149, New Zealand; Centre for Sensory-Motor Interaction (SMI), Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Denise Taylor
- Rehabilitation Innovation Centre, Health and Rehabilitation Research Institute, Auckland University of Technology, Private Bag 92006, Auckland 1142, New Zealand
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Shafi H, Awan WA, Olsen S, Siddiqi FA, Tassadaq N, Rashid U, Niazi IK. Assessing Gait & Balance in Adults with Mild Balance Impairment: G&B App Reliability and Validity. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 23:9718. [PMID: 38139564 PMCID: PMC10747653 DOI: 10.3390/s23249718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
Smartphone applications (apps) that utilize embedded inertial sensors have the potential to provide valid and reliable estimations of different balance and gait parameters in older adults with mild balance impairment. This study aimed to assess the reliability, validity, and sensitivity of the Gait&Balance smartphone application (G&B App) for measuring gait and balance in a sample of middle- to older-aged adults with mild balance impairment in Pakistan. Community-dwelling adults over 50 years of age (N = 83, 50 female, range 50-75 years) with a Berg Balance Scale (BBS) score between 46/56 and 54/56 were included in the study. Data collection involved securing a smartphone to the participant's lumbosacral spine. Participants performed six standardized balance tasks, including four quiet stance tasks and two gait tasks (walking looking straight ahead and walking with head turns). The G&B App collected accelerometry data during these tasks, and the tasks were repeated twice to assess test-retest reliability. The tasks in quiet stance were also recorded with a force plate, a gold-standard technology for measuring postural sway. Additionally, participants completed three clinical measures, the BBS, the Functional Reach Test (FRT), and the Timed Up and Go Test (TUG). Test-retest reliability within the same session was determined using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and the standard error of measurement (SEM). Validity was evaluated by correlating the G&B App outcomes against both the force plate data and the clinical measures using Pearson's product-moment correlation coefficients. To assess the G&B App's sensitivity to differences in balance across tasks and repetitions, one-way repeated measures analyses of variance (ANOVAs) were conducted. During quiet stance, the app demonstrated moderate reliability for steadiness on firm (ICC = 0.72) and compliant surfaces (ICC = 0.75) with eyes closed. For gait tasks, the G&B App indicated moderate to excellent reliability when walking looking straight ahead for gait symmetry (ICC = 0.65), walking speed (ICC = 0.93), step length (ICC = 0.94), and step time (ICC = 0.84). The TUG correlated with app measures under both gait conditions for walking speed (r -0.70 and 0.67), step length (r -0.56 and -0.58), and step time (r 0.58 and 0.50). The BBS correlated with app measures of walking speed under both gait conditions (r 0.55 and 0.51) and step length when walking with head turns (r = 0.53). Force plate measures of total distance wandered showed adequate to excellent correlations with G&B App measures of steadiness. Notably, G&B App measures of walking speed, gait symmetry, step length, and step time, were sensitive to detecting differences in performance between standard walking and the more difficult task of walking with head turns. This study demonstrates the G&B App's potential as a reliable and valid tool for assessing some gait and balance parameters in middle-to-older age adults, with promise for application in low-income countries like Pakistan. The app's accessibility and accuracy could enhance healthcare services and support preventive measures related to fall risk.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hina Shafi
- Riphah College of Rehabilitation & Allied Health Sciences, Riphah International University, Islamabad 46000, Pakistan
- Foundation Institute of Rehabilitation Sciences, Foundation University, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan
| | - Waqar Ahmed Awan
- Riphah College of Rehabilitation & Allied Health Sciences, Riphah International University, Islamabad 46000, Pakistan
| | - Sharon Olsen
- Health & Rehabilitation Research Institute, Faculty of Health & Environmental Sciences, AUT University, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
| | - Furqan Ahmed Siddiqi
- Foundation Institute of Rehabilitation Sciences, Foundation University, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan
| | - Naureen Tassadaq
- Foundation Institute of Rehabilitation Sciences, Foundation University, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan
| | - Usman Rashid
- Health & Rehabilitation Research Institute, Faculty of Health & Environmental Sciences, AUT University, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
- Centre for Chiropractic Research, New Zealand College of Chiropractic, Auckland 1060, New Zealand
| | - Imran Khan Niazi
- Health & Rehabilitation Research Institute, Faculty of Health & Environmental Sciences, AUT University, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
- Centre for Chiropractic Research, New Zealand College of Chiropractic, Auckland 1060, New Zealand
- Centre for Sensory-Motor Interaction (SMI), Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Strongman C, Cavallerio F, Timmis MA, Morrison A. A Scoping Review of the Validity and Reliability of Smartphone Accelerometers When Collecting Kinematic Gait Data. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 23:8615. [PMID: 37896708 PMCID: PMC10611257 DOI: 10.3390/s23208615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this scoping review is to evaluate and summarize the existing literature that considers the validity and/or reliability of smartphone accelerometer applications when compared to 'gold standard' kinematic data collection (for example, motion capture). An electronic keyword search was performed on three databases to identify appropriate research. This research was then examined for details of measures and methodology and general study characteristics to identify related themes. No restrictions were placed on the date of publication, type of smartphone, or participant demographics. In total, 21 papers were reviewed to synthesize themes and approaches used and to identify future research priorities. The validity and reliability of smartphone-based accelerometry data have been assessed against motion capture, pressure walkways, and IMUs as 'gold standard' technology and they have been found to be accurate and reliable. This suggests that smartphone accelerometers can provide a cheap and accurate alternative to gather kinematic data, which can be used in ecologically valid environments to potentially increase diversity in research participation. However, some studies suggest that body placement may affect the accuracy of the result, and that position data correlate better than actual acceleration values, which should be considered in any future implementation of smartphone technology. Future research comparing different capture frequencies and resulting noise, and different walking surfaces, would be useful.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Clare Strongman
- Cambridge Centre for Sport and Exercise Sciences, Anglia Ruskin University, East Road, Cambridge CB1 1PT, UK; (F.C.); (M.A.T.); (A.M.)
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Bohlke K, Redfern MS, Rosso AL, Sejdic E. Accelerometry applications and methods to assess standing balance in older adults and mobility-limited patient populations: a narrative review. Aging Clin Exp Res 2023; 35:1991-2007. [PMID: 37526887 PMCID: PMC10881067 DOI: 10.1007/s40520-023-02503-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
Accelerometers provide an opportunity to expand standing balance assessments outside of the laboratory. The purpose of this narrative review is to show that accelerometers are accurate, objective, and accessible tools for balance assessment. Accelerometry has been validated against current gold standard technology, such as optical motion capture systems and force plates. Many studies have been conducted to show how accelerometers can be useful for clinical examinations. Recent studies have begun to apply classification algorithms to accelerometry balance measures to discriminate populations at risk for falls. In addition to healthy older adults, accelerometry can monitor balance in patient populations such as Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, and traumatic brain injury. The lack of software packages or easy-to-use applications have hindered the shift into the clinical space. Lack of consensus on outcome metrics has also slowed the clinical adoption of accelerometer-based balance assessments. Future studies should focus on metrics that are most helpful to evaluate balance in specific populations and protocols that are clinically efficacious.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kayla Bohlke
- Department of Bioengineering, Swanson School of Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, 4200 Fifth Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, 15260, USA
| | - Mark S Redfern
- Department of Bioengineering, Swanson School of Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, 4200 Fifth Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, 15260, USA
| | - Andrea L Rosso
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, 4200 Fifth Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, 15260, USA
| | - Ervin Sejdic
- The Edward S. Rogers Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering, University of Toronto, 27 King's College Cir, Toronto, ON, M5S, Canada.
- North York General Hospital, 4001 Leslie St., Toronto, ON, M2K, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Sato EH, Stevenson KL, Blackburn BE, Peters C, Archibeck MJ, Pelt CE, Gililland JM, Anderson LA. Recovery Curves for Patient Reported Outcomes and Physical Function After Total Hip Arthroplasty. J Arthroplasty 2023:S0883-5403(23)00358-3. [PMID: 37068568 DOI: 10.1016/j.arth.2023.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) are frequently used for evaluating patient satisfaction and function following total hip arthroplasty (THA). Functional measures along with chronologic modeling may help set expectations perioperatively. Our goal was to define the trajectory of recovery and function in the first year following THA. METHODS Prospective data from 1,898 patients in a multicenter study was analyzed. The PROMs included the Hip disability and Osteoarthritis Score for Joint Replacement (HOOS-JR) and EuroQol-5 dimension (EQ5D). Physical activity was recorded on a wearable technology. Data was collected pre-operatively and at one, three, six, and twelve months post-operatively. Generalized estimating equations were used to evaluate outcomes over time. RESULTS Significant improvement occurred between pre- and post-operative time points for all PROMs. The PROMs showed the greatest proportional recovery within the first month post-operatively, each improving by at least one minimal clinically important difference (MCID). Daily steps and flights of stairs took longer to reach at least one MCID (three months and one year, respectively). Gait speed and walking asymmetry returned to baseline by three months, but did not reach a MCID of improvement by one-year. CONCLUSION Patients can be counseled that the greatest proportional improvement in PROMs is within one month after THA, while function surpasses pre-operative baselines by three-months, and gait quality may not improve until after one-year. This can help set realistic expectations and target interventions toward patients deviating from the norm.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eleanor H Sato
- 1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | | | - Brenna E Blackburn
- 1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Christopher Peters
- 1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Michael J Archibeck
- 1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Christopher E Pelt
- 1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Jeremy M Gililland
- 1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
| | - Lucas A Anderson
- 1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| |
Collapse
|