Estimation of temporal gait parameters of multiple sclerosis patients in clinical setting using inertial sensors

Abstract

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most frequent neurological disease causing permanent disability in young adults. Subtle walking difficulties, such as reduced walking speed, step length, cadence and increased step width can be detected at an early stage of the disease. Main goal of this research is by using non-invasive wireless inertial sensors measure gait of MS patients in clinical setting and extract temporal biomechanical parameters that would allow objectively evaluate level of disability in MS patients. Analysis of 25-Foot walk showed that the duration of stance phase is approximately 1.6 times greater in MS group than in healthy control group, while the duration of swing phase in MS group is 1.3 times longer. In general, the MS patients are walking approximately 1.6 times slower.