Stitching Together short gait trials for understanding stride-to-stride organization over time
Advisor Information
Vivien Marmelat
Location
Dr. C.C. and Mabel L. Criss Library
Presentation Type
Poster
Start Date
3-3-2017 9:00 AM
End Date
3-3-2017 10:15 AM
Abstract
The organization of stride-to-stride variability is estimated by a scaling exponent “α”that provides significant insight about function and dysfunction of the locomotor system. The analysis of this variability requires a continuous recording of a large quantity of stride intervals, (e.g. participants walking for 15-30 minutes at a constant speed). This requirement becomes a major limitation when investigating populations such as the elderly or patients with Parkinson’s disease. A possible solution to this limitation would be to “stitch” shorter trials (ie-combine five separate three minute trials into one fifteen minute trial). The aim of this study is to investigate whether “stitching” shorter gait trials to create one longer series of stride intervals will provide similar α-values compared to one continuous long gait trial. The study will involve three populations, healthy young individuals, healthy elderly individuals, and patients with Parkinson’s disease. Fifteen subjects will be tested from each population, for a total of 45 participants. The study will consist of 45 total minutes of walking, consisting of three different trial sections. Each trial section will total 15 minutes (30 trials x 30 sec=15 min, 5 trials x 3 min=15 min, 1 trial x 15 min= 15 min). If similar α-values are found in both the continuous fifteen minute trial, and the shorter “stitched” trials, it may be possible to investigate walking patterns in populations that were previously unable to be extensively studied.
Stitching Together short gait trials for understanding stride-to-stride organization over time
Dr. C.C. and Mabel L. Criss Library
The organization of stride-to-stride variability is estimated by a scaling exponent “α”that provides significant insight about function and dysfunction of the locomotor system. The analysis of this variability requires a continuous recording of a large quantity of stride intervals, (e.g. participants walking for 15-30 minutes at a constant speed). This requirement becomes a major limitation when investigating populations such as the elderly or patients with Parkinson’s disease. A possible solution to this limitation would be to “stitch” shorter trials (ie-combine five separate three minute trials into one fifteen minute trial). The aim of this study is to investigate whether “stitching” shorter gait trials to create one longer series of stride intervals will provide similar α-values compared to one continuous long gait trial. The study will involve three populations, healthy young individuals, healthy elderly individuals, and patients with Parkinson’s disease. Fifteen subjects will be tested from each population, for a total of 45 participants. The study will consist of 45 total minutes of walking, consisting of three different trial sections. Each trial section will total 15 minutes (30 trials x 30 sec=15 min, 5 trials x 3 min=15 min, 1 trial x 15 min= 15 min). If similar α-values are found in both the continuous fifteen minute trial, and the shorter “stitched” trials, it may be possible to investigate walking patterns in populations that were previously unable to be extensively studied.