Real-Time Auditory Feedback-Induced Adaptation to Walking Among Seniors Using the Heel2Toe Sensor: Proof-of-Concept Study

Kedar Kv Mate, Ahmed Abou-Sharkh, José A Morais, Nancy E Mayo, Kedar Kv Mate, Ahmed Abou-Sharkh, José A Morais, Nancy E Mayo

Abstract

Background: Evidence shows that gait training in older adults is effective in improving the gait pattern, but the effects abate with cessation of training. During gait training, therapists use a number of verbal and visual cues to place the heel first when stepping. This simple strategy changes posture from stooped to upright, lengthens the stride, stimulates pelvic and trunk rotation, and facilitates arm swing. These principles guided the development of the Heel2Toe sensor that provides real-time auditory feedback for each good step, in which the heel strikes first.

Objective: This feasibility study aimed (1) to contribute evidence toward the feasibility and efficacy potential for home use of the Heel2Toe sensor that provides real-time feedback and (2) to estimate changes in gait parameters after five training sessions using the sensor.

Methods: A pre-post study included 5 training sessions over 2 weeks in the community on a purposive sample of six seniors. Proportion of good steps, angular velocity (AV) at each step, and cadence over a 2- minute period were assessed as was usability and experience.

Results: All gait parameters, proportion of good steps, AV, and duration of walking bouts improved. The coefficient of variation of AV decreased, indicating consistency of stepping.

Conclusions: Efficacy potential and feasibility of the Heel2Toe sensor were demonstrated.

Keywords: angular velocity; auditory feedback; older adults; walking.

Conflict of interest statement

Conflicts of Interest: KKVM, AA-S, and NEM are cofounders of a start-up enterprise Physio Biometrics Inc. The Heel2Toe sensor is one of the products that will be commercialized.

©Kedar K.V. Mate, Ahmed Abou-Sharkh, José A. Morais, Nancy E. Mayo. Originally published in JMIR Rehabilitation and Assistive Technology (http://rehab.jmir.org), 11.12.2019.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Flowchart of the study method and assessment time points.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Time (minutes) spent walking with the sensor during each training day.

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