Comparing different methods of gait speed estimation using wearable sensors in individuals with varying levels of mobility impairments

Wearable sensors, such as inertial measurement units (IMU), provide the ability to quantify gait parameters outside of traditional gait laboratory settings. Walking speed has been shown to be associated with morbidity and mortality. Therefore, the ability of a clinician to easily and inexpensively measure gait speed within their clinic or patients' home setting can improve patient management and care. This study highlights multiple methods used to estimate patient walking speeds based only on IMU data and minimal anthropometric data, and identifies the algorithm appearing to be the most robust; one relying on identifying swing phases of gait first.Clinical relevance - Providing a clinician with a simple, inexpensive and reliable protocol for measuring patients' gait speed and other parameters could offer prevention and individualized care.