RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN WEIGHT CHANGE AND CHANGES IN 3D ACCELERATION SIGNALS GENERATED BY WALKING

Abstract

This study set out to investigate if a relationship exists between weight change and changes in 3D acceleration signals associated with walking. In addition to giving biomechanical information, this relationship could be applied in conjunction with new weight management solutions to address the excess weight problem currently plaguing the world. The study was conducted with 15 subjects. For a period of two months, they were weighed every morning and carried a 3D accelerometer during the working day. Daily accelerometric signals were recorded and signals recognized as walking were analyzed. To obtain information in a more controlled situation and higher weight change, a separate follow-up study was carried out involving one test subject performing controlled walking exercises. Our results show that a relationship does exist between weight change and 3D acceleration signals. The obtained correlation coefficient between weight change and the acceleration-related parameter was 0.21 for the combined result of all test subjects (n = 147, p = 0.01). Higher correlations were recorded for individual subjects (r = 0.97, p < 0.001). Also the follow-up with controlled walking exercises showed a high correlation (r = 0.89, p < 0.001). On the other hand, statistically significant results were not obtained for all subjects, and identical signal parameters did not always produce similar results.