To study the race walking athletic discipline, I need a wearable system to measure spatial (step length) and temporal (contact time, flight time and step rate) variables in field conditions. The system must be able to compare left vs right legs, and also to show the mean values of both legs.
Hi Juan,
Most researchers prefer to use custom-made inertial system (accelerometer
sensors), because the wearable commercial systems are usually more expensive. If you do decide to buy a commercial system, you could look at this papers.
Take a look at Microgaite and their OptoGait system. It has the capabilities you are looking for.
http://www.optogait.com/
Hi Erik
It seems the OptoGait system is good for lab and I do not think it is useful for field conditions!
Reach out to the company discuss your need with them. They can support a number of field assessments on a track and a field setting.
Erik
Dear friend:
To assess the Spatio-temporal variables of gait in field conditions you have 2 main options depends of the aim of your research.
The 2 options are:
1- Pressure/contact/optical mats.
2- Inertial movement units (IMUs). (accelerometer + gyroscope).
If your idea is evaluate the subject in a field test, both options are well. But, if you need a system to assess the training of the athletes or that the subject place and training itself and later you collect the data, the IMUs is better because usually have a internal SD card to record by itself.
About the first option (Pressure/optical sensors), the most popular equipments are:
GaitRITE (pressure mat): http://www.gaitrite.com
Tekscan (pressure mat): https://www.tekscan.com/products-solutions/systems/walkway-system
ProtoKinetics (pressure mat): http://www.protokinetics.com/zenowalkway.html
iMagiMat (pressure mat): http://www.mub.eps.manchester.ac.uk/imagimat/more-information/
Optogait (optical bar): http://www.optogait.com
About the second option (IMU sensors) you can make your own system (only need buy some IMUs sensors and make your own software with matlab, C++ or similar, there are some manuscripts about the calculi of spatio-temporal parameters with IMU sensors (only search in PubMed or Medline) and you can place only one sensor in the sacrum or in both shanks.
Or you can buy a commercial solution:
Xsens: http://www.xsens.com/products/
NexGen: http://www.nexgenergo.com/
GaitUP: http://www.gaitup.com/products/
McRoberts: http://www.gaitup.com/products/
I hope I have helped.
Thanks for your help
Your comments have been very useful for me
We are searching for IMU sensors
Best regards
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