A goniometer-based method for the assessment of gait parameters

Basic prerequisites for gait analysis are the assessment of spatiooral gait parameters and the analysis of movements within subsequent stride cycles. The aim of the present study is to propose a new method to assess spatiooral gait parameters using only 1-degree-of-freedom electrogoniometers positioned on hip and knee joints. The model validation is performed comparing the model results with those automatically obtained from another gait analysis system: GAITRite. The results underline the model reliability and show that the model could be a valid alternative to the traditional methods that use foot switches, ground reaction forces or accelerometers. These results show that essential spatiooral gait parameters can be determined during overground walking using only two 1-dof electrogoniometers. The method is easy-to-use and does not interfere with regular walking patterns.