Benchmarking between two wearable inertial systems for gait analysis based on a different sensor placement using several statistical approaches. (March 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Donisi, Leandro; Pagano, Gaetano; Cesarelli, Giuseppe; Coccia, Armando; Amitrano, Federica; D'Addio, Giovanni
• Is Part Of: Measurement. Volume 173(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-03
• Subjects: Wearable devices -- IMUs -- Gait analysis -- Biomechanics -- Agreement -- Repeatability; Weights and measures -- Periodicals; Measurement -- Periodicals; Measurement; Weights and measures; Periodicals; 530.8
• DOI: 10.1016/j.measurement.2020.108642
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0263-2241

Abstract

Highlights: Wearable inertial systems for gait analysis are spreading in clinical practice. Opal and G-Walk Systems are based on a different sensor placement. Validity and repeatability studies of measurement systems are of paramount importance. Benchmarking analysis is fundamental for meta-analysis and multicenter studies. Benchmarking was studied by Bland-Altman, Passing-Bablok regression, T-Test and ICC. Abstract: Despite the growing use of different wearable inertial systems for gait analysis in clinical setting, also based on a different sensor placement, there is still a lack of knowledge about the agreement between them and their repeatability. The purpose of this study is to investigate the agreement between two commercial wearable inertial systems for gait analysis: Opal and G-Walk Systems, and their repeatability. Fifty-three subjects, healthy and pathological, underwent a gait analysis session instrumented by both systems, seven spatiotemporal parameters were recorded. The study of agreement was carried out through Bland-Altman Analysis, Passing-Bablok regression and Paired t -test, the study of repeatability through the intra class correlation coefficient ICC(3, 1). Study results showed a not perfect agreement between the two systems although they both showed good repeatability. This work underlines the importance to perform a study of agreement before using devices interchangeably or even as a replacement in order to have reliable measurements.