Improved Leg Tracking Considering Gait Phase and Spline-Based Interpolation during Turning Motion in Walk Tests.

Falling is a common problem in the growing elderly population, and fall-risk assessment systems are needed for community-based fall prevention programs. In particular, the timed up and go test (TUG) is the clinical test most often used to evaluate elderly individual ambulatory ability in many clinical institutions or local communities. This study presents an improved leg tracking method using a laser range sensor (LRS) for a gait measurement system to evaluate the motor function in walk tests, such as the TUG.

Gait measurement system for the multi-target stepping task using a laser range sensor.

For the prevention of falling in the elderly, gait training has been proposed using tasks such as the multi-target stepping task (MTST), in which participants step on assigned colored targets. This study presents a gait measurement system using a laser range sensor for the MTST to evaluate the risk of falling. The system tracks both legs and measures general walking parameters such as stride length and walking speed.

A novel infrared laser device that measures multilateral parameters of stepping performance for assessment of fall risk in elderly individuals [corrected].

Background And Aims: Avoiding falls requires fast and appropriate step responses in real-life situations. We developed a step-tracking device that uses an infrared laser sensor for convenient assessment of stepping performance, including concurrent assessment of temporal and spatial parameters. In the present study, we created a new index for assessment of fall risk that uses step speed and accuracy measurements.

Development of measurement system for task oriented step tracking using laser range finder.

Background: Avoiding a fall requires fast and appropriate step responses, stepping speed as a fall risk indicator has only been assessed in older adults. We have developed a new measurement system that applies a laser range finder to assess temporal and spatial parameters of stepping performance such as step speed, length, and accuracy. This measurement system has higher portability, lower cost, and can analyze a larger number of temporal and spatial parameters than existing measurement systems.