Gait Analyser

This chapter discusses the purpose, principle of operation, specifications, and applications of a gait analyser. The analyser is an instrument for a systematic study of human motion by measuring the body movements, body mechanics, and activity of the muscles. It can be categorized under two groups depending upon whether they use non-wearable sensors (NWSs) or wearable sensors. NWS systems can be further divided into two subgroups. The first group employs image processing technique, while the second group is based on the use of floor sensors. The gold standard for gait analysis involving evaluation of walking pattern is based on the use of optoelectronic cameras, triaxial force platforms and surface electromyogram systems. The wearable gait analysers find applications in a number of clinical settings such as orthopaedics and neurology and in Parkinson's disease and fall prevention in the elderly subjects.