SMARTPHONE ACCELEROMETRY FOR GAIT VARIABILITY ASSESSMENT AND REHABILITATION IN OLDER ADULTS

This session will focus on the use of body-fixed sensors (particularly accelerometers) to assess gait variability in older adults. An overview of different gait variability measures and processing methods will be provided (e.g., gait symmetry, stride regularity, fractal structure) including information on the relationship of these measures to diminished gait capacity and fall risk in older adults with and without physical impairments. This session will also present information on the advantages to be gained from using Smartphone technology for the purpose of gait variability assessment and monitoring in and out of the clinic. The potential application of using Smartphone technology as a clinical tool to assess various aspects of gait control and stability for the purpose of evaluating physical activity intervention (i.e., gait rehabilitation programs) will also be discussed.