title: Technological solution for determining gait parameters using pressure sensors: a case study of multiple sclerosis patients.
abstract: This paper describes a study dealing with a technological solution to measure gait quality in people suffering from multiple sclerosis (MS) by selecting objective parameters that focus on their step. Android mobile technology, online services and four wireless pressure sensors are used in concert for this purpose. The objective of this work is the early detection of deterioration of the patient so that a physician can quickly intervene. Tests were carried out on a group of 8 persons with MS, and these results were compared with a control a group of 6 healthy participants. The results indicated a statistical difference in 7 of 40 general step features, with a minimum σ=0.013 and a maximum σ=0.029. These characteristics showed differences between first and fifth metatarsals for each group. It was concluded that these parameters can be used to evaluate gait degeneration in people with MS and that further information could be obtained from measurements with sensors to monitor activities such as bending and inertial sensors.
authors.affiliation: Deustotech Life Department, University of Deusto, Bilbao 48007, Spain.
authors.forename: María
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Viqueira Villarejo
authors.affiliation: Deustotech Life Department, University of Deusto, Bilbao 48007, Spain.
authors.forename: Jose
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Maeso García
authors.affiliation: Deustotech Life Department, University of Deusto, Bilbao 48007, Spain.
authors.forename: Begoña
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: García Zapirain
authors.affiliation: Deustotech Life Department, University of Deusto, Bilbao 48007, Spain.
authors.forename: Amaia
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Méndez Zorrilla
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000465:Algorithms; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D034201:Computers, Handheld; D003936:Diagnosis, Computer-Assisted / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D004867:Equipment Design; D019544:Equipment Failure Analysis; D005260:Female; D005528:Foot / Q000503:physiopathology; D005684:Gait; D020233:Gait Disorders, Neurologic / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018670:Monitoring, Ambulatory / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D017216:Telemedicine / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D014160:Transducers, Pressure
keywords: Gait analysis; objective parameterization; sensors