Validation of IMU-Based Insoles (LUBU) for the Estimation of Gait Spatio-Temporal Parameters

Gait analysis is a well-known tool used to evaluate human locomotion. This analysis is usually performed in movement analysis laboratories equipped with optoelectronic cameras. However, many wearable devices based on the use of Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs) have been developed to overcome the limitations of the gold standard technology. LUBU Technologies developed insoles equipped with IMUs and algorithms for the extraction of gait parameters such as gait events, temporal parameters and stride length. The aim of the present study was the validation of these parameters against an optoelectronic reference system. Twenty people were involved in performing a series of indoor walking trials to assess the accuracy of the insole measurements and an additional group of ten people were asked to walk outdoors to preliminarily assess total distance estimation under ecological walking conditions. The results showed low errors and good agreement for all the parameters computed by the insoles. Moreover, the outdoor assessment offered preliminary insights into performance in a more ecological setting. Overall, the findings suggest that LUBU insoles may represent a valid wearable tool for estimating gait spatio-temporal parameters in healthy young adults. However, further investigations are required in older adults or populations with pathological gait patterns.