Feasibility of whole-body gait kinematics to assess the validity of the six-minute walk test over a 10-m walkway in the elderly. (April 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Saraiva, Nathália Alves Oliveira; Guimarães, Fernando Silva; Lopes, Agnaldo José; Papathanasiou, Jannis; Ferreira, Arthur Sá
• Is Part Of: Biomedical signal processing and control. Volume 42(2018)
• Page Start: 202
• Page End: 209
• Publication Date: 2018-04
• Subjects: Gait -- Six-minute walk test -- Kinematic analysis -- Rehabilitation; Signal processing -- Periodicals; Biomedical engineering -- Periodicals; Signal Processing, Computer-Assisted -- Periodicals; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted -- Periodicals; Biomedical Engineering -- Periodicals; 610.28
• DOI: 10.1016/j.bspc.2018.02.002
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1746-8094

Abstract

Highlights: Whole-body gait kinematic analysis during the six-minute walk test is feasible. Body speed increases during a half-turn until it shows a single peak. Body acceleration and deceleration are maximal at the start and end of a half-turn. The walked distance is underestimated due to the six-minute walk test assumptions. Abstract: Background: The six-minute walk test (6MWT) assesses the functional exercise capacity and its impairments due to chronic cardiorespiratory and/or musculoskeletal conditions, particularly in the elderly. The clinimetric properties and clinical utility of the 6MWT are well-described, but little is known about the gait kinematics during this test. This study evaluated the feasibility of a study protocol based on whole-body gait kinematics to assess the validity of the 6MWT over a 10-m walkway in the elderly. Methods: Eight elderly healthy participants (7 women, aged 61–77 years) underwent the 6MWT over a 10-m rectilinear walkway. The data were collected using infrared cameras and a spherical marker covered with retroreflective tape firmly attached to a helmet worn by the participant during the 6MWT. Results: The total distance measured by the assessor was significantly smaller than both its kinematics ( P = 0.012) and model-predicted ( P = 0.017) counterparts. The total distance measured by the kinematics was also smaller than the predicted one ( P = 0.025). A large bias toward underestimating the 6MWD, as measured by the assessor (mean = −32, SD = 6.3 m), was observed along with a high determination coefficient ( R 2 = 99.2%). Most of the participants presented a negative trend for the average speed as a function of half-turns. Discussion: Analysis of whole-body gait kinematics is feasible using motion capture systems and can be used to assess the validity of the 6MWT over a 10-m walkway in the elderly. The 6MWD, as measured by the assessor, underestimates the actual covered distance in the 6MWT but not the functional exercise capacity.