Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

Concurrent Validity Of Accelerations Measured Using A Tri-Axial Inertial Measurement Unit While Walking On Firm, Compliant, And Uneven Surfaces, Michael H. Cole, Wolbert Van Den Hoorn, Justin K. Kavanagh, Steven Morrison, Paul W. Hodges, James E. Smeathers, Graham K. Kerr

Rehabilitation Sciences Faculty Publications

Although accelerometers are extensively used for assessing gait, limited research has evaluated the concurrent validity of these devices on less predictable walking surfaces or the comparability of different methods used for gravitational acceleration compensation. This study evaluated the concurrent validity of trunk accelerations derived from a tri-axial inertial measurement unit while walking on firm, compliant and uneven surfaces and contrasted two methods used to remove gravitational accelerations; i) subtraction of the best linear fit from the data (detrending); and ii) use of orientation information (quaternions) from the inertial measurement unit. Twelve older and twelve younger adults walked at their preferred …

Falls And Physical Activity In Persons With Multiple Sclerosis, J. J. Sosnoff, B. M. Sandroff, J. H. Pula, S. M. Morrison, R. W. Motl

Rehabilitation Sciences Faculty Publications

Objectives. To examine the association between fall history and physical activity using an objective measure of physical activity (i.e., accelerometry) in persons with multiple sclerosis.

Design. A community-based sample of 75 ambulatory persons with multiple sclerosis volunteered for the investigation. Participants self-reported fall history in the last year, underwent a neurological exam to determine Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score, and wore an accelerometer around the waist for 7 consecutive days to determine physical activity.

Results. Overall, 37 persons (49.3% of the sample) reported falling in the last year with 28 of the 37 falling more than once. Persons who …