Description

This study seeks to evaluate the validity and reliability of gait and jumping parameters measured with the iSen device in healthy adults. Gait analysis is an important tool in clinical settings as it provides valuable information about an individual's general health, cognitive performance, quality of life, and mortality risk. It is particularly useful for identifying functional limitations resulting from neurological or orthopedic conditions. Clinicians often rely on gait analysis to customize treatment plans, monitor individual progress, and assess the therapeutic benefits of interventions. Additionally, gait analysis can help identify underlying abnormalities and disorders that contribute to reduced functionality, thus aiding clinical decision-making.

Traditionally, clinical gait assessments focus on walking speed, typically measured using timed walking tests such as the 10-meter walk test or the 6-minute walk test. However, these assessments often fall short of providing a comprehensive evaluation, as they do not account for other important gait parameters such as step length, step time, or gait symmetry. Spatio-temporal gait parameters, such as walking speed, step time, step length, and step width, are essential for evaluating changes that may predict fall risk. Moreover, they are important for understanding motor function in a variety of populations.

Currently, laboratory-based equipment such as 3D motion capture systems and force plates are considered the gold standard for gait analysis due to their precision. However, these systems are often costly, require large spaces, and demand significant time for setup and analysis. As a result, they are not always accessible in clinical environments. In recent years, wearable accelerometers have gained popularity as an alternative for gait analysis. These devices offer several advantages, including low cost, portability, ease of use, and the ability to perform assessments in real-world settings, such as walking corridors. Notably, accelerometer-based gait analysis can be completed in a short period, typically within 10 minutes, making it an efficient option for clinical practice.

In addition to gait analysis, vertical jump performance is also a key parameter for assessing lower extremity strength and explosive power. Jumping performance can provide insights into athletic ability, physical fitness, and injury risk. Vertical jump height, in particular, is widely used by physiotherapists, trainers, and health professionals to assess strength, neuromuscular fatigue, and explosive power. Several methods are used to measure jump height, including contact mats, force plates, and accelerometers. However, force plates, considered the gold standard, are not portable and require specialized expertise to operate. As a result, wearable sensors like the iSen device have emerged as a practical and cost-effective alternative for jump performance analysis.

The iSen device is a wearable, wireless sensor that offers advantages over traditional laboratory-based equipment due to its portability, affordability, and ease of use. However, there is limited evidence regarding the validity and reliability of the iSen device in measuring gait and jump parameters. This study aims to fill this gap by comparing the iSen device with the validated BTS G-Walk system, which has demonstrated reliability and validity in gait and jump assessments. By evaluating the performance of the iSen device in measuring spatio-temporal gait parameters and jump performance, the study seeks to provide evidence for its potential clinical use.

The study will be conducted at Gazi University and Kırıkkale University, and will involve healthy adult participants aged 18-35 who meet the inclusion criteria. Participants will be screened for musculoskeletal, neurological, or systemic disorders that could affect their gait or jump performance. Each participant will undergo a series of assessments using both the iSen and BTS G-Walk devices. The assessments will include gait analysis in a 7-meter walking course, as well as vertical jump tests. To assess the test-retest reliability of the iSen device, participants will be re-assessed after a seven-day interval.

This study will contribute to the evidence base on the validity and reliability of the iSen device in measuring gait and jump parameters. The findings will provide valuable insights for clinicians and healthcare providers, helping them determine whether the iSen device can serve as a reliable, cost-effective alternative to traditional gait and jump assessment methods in clinical practice.