What happens before the first step? A New Approach to Quantifying Gait Initiation Using a Wearable Sensor.

Background: Walking is a volitional behavior that requires planning and initiation before a step is observed. Following a signal to begin walking, studies of gait initiation in specialized labs have identified three phases that occur during the transition from a standing position via anticipatory postural adjustment (APA) to the first step. Routine instrumented gait testing outside of the laboratory setting focuses on gait execution and does not include gait initiation measures.

Quantitative mobility metrics from a wearable sensor predict incident parkinsonism in older adults.

Introduction: Mobility metrics derived from wearable sensor recordings are associated with parkinsonism in older adults. We examined if these metrics predict incident parkinsonism.

Methods: Parkinsonism was assessed annually in 683 ambulatory, community-dwelling older adults without parkinsonism at baseline.

Different Combinations of Mobility Metrics Derived From a Wearable Sensor Are Associated With Distinct Health Outcomes in Older Adults.

Background: Gait speed is a robust nonspecific predictor of health outcomes. We examined if combinations of gait speed and other mobility metrics are associated with specific health outcomes.

Methods: A sensor (triaxial accelerometer and gyroscope) placed on the lower back, measured mobility in the homes of 1,249 older adults (77% female; 80.