• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.123-130
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• 2015

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to investigate the reliability of 3D-inertia measurement unit (IMU) based shoes in gait analysis. This was done with respect to the results of the optical motion capturing system and to collect reference gait data of healthy subjects with this device. Methods : The Smart Balance$^{(R)}$ system of 3D-IMU based shoes and Osprey$^{(R)}$ motion capturing cameras were used to collect motion data simultaneously. Forty four healthy subjects consisting of individuals in 20s (N=20), 40s (N=13), and 60s (N=11) participated in this study voluntarily. They performed natural walking on a treadmill for one minute at 4 different target speeds (3, 4, 5, 6 km/h), respectively. Results : Cadence (ICC=.998), step length (ICC=.970), stance phase (ICC=.845), and double-support phase (ICC=.684) from 3D-IMU based shoes were in agreement with results of optical motion system. Gait data of healthy subjects according to different treadmill speeds and ages were matched to previous literature showing increased cadence and reduced step length for elderly subjects. Conclusion : Conclusively, 3D-IMU based shoes in gait analysis were a satisfactory alternative option in measuring linear gait parameters.