Identifying Gait Metrics
Collecting gait data.Copyright 2014 Jeremy Scheffler, University of Nebraska Omaha
Gait analysis is the study of human motion that can be utilized as biometric information or identification, for medical diagnostics or for comparative biomechanics. In this activity, students observe walking human subjects and then discuss parameters that could be used to characterize walking gaits. They use accelerometers to collect and graph acceleration vs. time data that can help in gait analysis—all part of practicing the engineering data analysis process. Students complete this activity before learning the material presented in the associated lesson.
Gait analysis is the systematic study of human motion, using visual observations and movement measurements. The technology to analyze gait patterns has advanced dramatically in the past few decades. Researchers now have a better understanding of the process of human locomotion and how individual testing and gait analysis can assist in diagnosis and treatment of some medical conditions. Biotechnology researchers continue to create and evolve the techniques to capture data easily and accurately, and then interpret it through engineering analysis, with the intent that the process becomes more routine and helpful.
After this activity, students should be able to:
- Analyze data.
- Define characteristics relating to data.