e-space
Manchester Metropolitan University's Research Repository

    A wearable gait-analysis device for idiopathic normal-pressure hydrocephalus (INPH) monitoring

    Atbas, Erdem ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1196-8397, Gaydecki, Patrick and Callaghan, Michael J ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3540-2838 (2024) A wearable gait-analysis device for idiopathic normal-pressure hydrocephalus (INPH) monitoring. Biomedical Physics and Engineering Express, 10 (6). 065039. ISSN 2057-1976

    [img]
    Preview
    Published Version
    Available under License Creative Commons Attribution.

    Download (870kB) | Preview

    Abstract

    Idiopathic Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (iNPH) is a progressive neurologic disorder (fluid build-up in the brain) that affects 0.2%–5% of the UK population aged over 65. Mobility problems, dementia and urinary incontinence are symptoms of iNPH but often these are not properly evaluated, and patients receive the wrong diagnosis. Here, we describe the development and testing of firmware embedded in a wearable device in conjunction with a user-based software system that records and analyses a patient’s gait. The movement patterns, expressed as quantitative data, allow clinicians to improve the non-invasive assessment of iNPH as well as monitor the management of patients undergoing treatment. The wearable sensor system comprises a miniature electronic unit that attaches to one ankle of the patient via a simple Velcro strap which was designed for this application. The unit monitors acceleration along three axes with a sample rate of 60 Hz and transmits the data via a Bluetooth communication link to a tablet or smart phone running the Android and the iOS operating systems. The software package extracts statistics based on stride length, stride height, distance walked and speed. Analysis confirmed that the system achieved an average accuracy of at least 98% for gait tests conducted over distances 9 m. This device has been developed to assist in the management and treatment of older adults diagnosed with iNPH.

    Impact and Reach

    Statistics

    Activity Overview
    6 month trend
    47Downloads
    6 month trend
    60Hits

    Additional statistics for this dataset are available via IRStats2.

    Altmetric

    Repository staff only

    Edit record Edit record