The validity of assessing temporal events, sub-phases and trunk kinematics of the sit-to-walk movement in older adults using a single inertial sensor

Abstract

The aim of this study was to develop a method to identify temporal events, sub-phases and trunk kinematics of the sit-to-walk (STW) using a single inertial sensor (IS) worn at the lower back and to determine the validity of this method. Twenty-seven healthy older adults performed a STW movement, which started from sitting in a chair and included walking 3m.Participants׳ movements were recorded with the IS, a reference measurement system consisting of an optical motion capture system (3 markers on the IS and one on each foot) and on–off switches located in the seat of the chair.Using the data from the IS and the reference measurement systems, the following signals and variables were calculated and compared: 3D IS motion (accelerations, velocities, displacements and angles), temporal events (start of trunk movement, seat-off, end of trunk flexion phase, end of trunk rising phase and gait initiation) and trunk kinematics (flexion range, maximum flexion velocity, maximum forward velocity and forward velocity during seat-off and at first heel-strike and maximum vertical velocity and vertical velocity at first heel-strike).For most variables acceptable differences (RMSE<10%) were found between IS and reference measurement systems, except for sideways displacements and non-sagittal plane rotations. Furthermore, good results were found for temporal event detection, with ICC values for all variables being 0.988 or higher. With exception of the vertical velocity at heel-strike agreement for trunk kinematics was high, with ICC values being 0.867 or higher.