118 Use of Smart Wearable Devices for Gait Assessment Among Older Chinese

Abstract

Abstract Introduction This study used smart bracelets and smartphones for gait assessment and analysis. Method Two hundred and twenty-eight older Chinese (mean age 69.3 ± 7.5 years) participated in this study. Participants wore either a smartphone or smart bracelet on their lower back while performing the gait test. They walked at a comfortable speed, at a comfortable speed and serially subtracting by three, and at a fast speed. This study measured gait parameters including speed, step frequency, acceleration root mean square (RMS), step regularity, symmetry and variability. Older adults were classified into pre-frail and non-frail groups based on the FRAIL SCALE (Kan et al., J Nutr Health Aging, 2008, 12, 29–37). We interviewed twenty-eight participants and three medical professionals and developed a smart app for gait assessment. Results It is fast and convenient to use smart wearable devices for gait assessment and analysis. The average speed (1.27m/s) of older Chinese seemed faster compared with older adults from literatures (Capistrant et al., Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 2014, 62(2), 329-335). Acceleration RMS was correlated with speed (Pearson r = .65–.76, p < .001) and could be a proxy of speed. Pre-frail older adults had significantly decreased speed, RMS, and step regularity compared with non-frail counterparts (ps < .05); step frequency, RMS, regularity, symmetry and variability were significantly different between walking types (ps < .001). The smart app records gait data of 30 seconds and generate a real-time gait assessment report including step frequency, RMS, regularity, symmetry and variability after the gait test. Overall, the acceptability from older adults is positive with participants indicating the app was easy to use and useful. Conclusion The application is a useful tool for older Chinese to track their gait quality in home care.