Open Access
Open access
Biomechanics, volume 5, issue 1, pages 7

Investigation of Acoustic Signals for Gait Analysis

Jeffrey Buxton 1
Kelly Shields 2
Jesse T. Greyshock 3
Jared Ramsey 4
Christopher Adams 5
Geo.A Richards 6
1
 
Exercise Science Department, Grove City College, Grove City, PA 16127, USA
2
 
Data Science R&D, Highmark Health, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, USA
3
 
Bell Textron Inc., Fort Worth, TX 76118, USA
4
 
Allegheny Orthopedic Associates, Pittsburgh, PA 15241, USA
5
 
Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Resident, Akron Children’s Hospital, Akron, OH 44308, USA
6
 
Mechanical Engineering Department, Grove City College, Grove City, PA 16127, USA
Publication typeJournal Article
Publication date2025-01-23
Journal: Biomechanics
SJR
CiteScore1.5
Impact factor
ISSN26737078
Abstract

Background: Previous literature has demonstrated that footstep sounds can be related to the unique gait pattern of individuals. This paper investigates the potential of using footstep sounds as a diagnostic tool in gait analysis. Methods: Fifteen participants ran on a treadmill at 2.7 m/s (6.0 MPH) while simultaneously recording plantar pressure and acoustic signals. Participants repeated the same recordings after completing an exhaustive fatigue protocol, thereby creating a modified gait pattern. Results: The modified gait was evident in the center-of-force trajectory, contact pressures, and acoustic signatures. Analysis of the peak contact pressure and acoustic amplitude showed a modest, statistically significant correlation (r = 0.42, p = 0.02). A method to measure the gait stance time from features in the acoustic signature was tested. Conclusions: The results show that acoustic signals can be used to characterize gait changes, but additional work is needed to link acoustic signal features to gait events like toe lift.

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