I need protocol for gait analysis of elderly people on OptoGait system?
Dragan,
What specific protocol are you looking for? Treadmill or walkway gait trials? The OptoGait software has many default protocols.
I've found it's quite easy to create your own custom one, and do some pilot testing to tweak it (really only needed with treadmill walking). We have used our system for both a 5 meter walkway as well as treadmill and seen differing results/minor issues with each, however I'm preferential to the walkway setup if properly calibrated.
If your population will be using assistive devices, the OptoGait may not be the ideal system as it will occlude the sensors and may be registered as a heel strike, although I believe if you contact Microgate they could help find a solution for you. If I remember correctly, the measurement of foot length of each subject when collecting data can help mitigate or eliminate this, but I would follow up with the manufacturer.
Hope this helps,
-Chris
As the OptoGait is an optical detection based system, consisting of a transmitting bar and a receiving bar, its main pitfall lies in the difficulty of use with patients who drags the foot, walks with a step length shorter than foot length, or uses a walk aid such as a cane or a walker.
If you just assess healthy elderly and/or dual tasking effects, it should be easier to get valid data.
Dear Christopher Burcal,
Thank you for your answer. I want to estimate gait parameters in elderly using proper protocol. I also try to find best way to do that with treadmill or ground walking. Subjest dont have any assistive devices so I will try with walking because is more natural for them.
Dear Arnaud Gouelle,
All participant are healthy and probably with normal foot length. Tanks for advice!