However, a coherent correlation between the nonlinear smartphone measurements obtained and various functional tests used in physiotherapist’s daily clinical practice is actually not established. This crosssectional-study refers to this gap and presents a model connecting functional physical skills and λ.
A total of 36 equally healthy participants (20 female) with a mean age of 42±10 years were included in the "FHysioCheck" project. The test battery included strength, flexibility, proprioception, functional tests, a gait analysis conducted with a ZEBRIS gait analysing system (zebris FDM v1.18.48) and a smartphone. λ was calculated above the step time tracked with inbuilt smartphone sensors over 200 steps on a flat asphalted pavement without curves. This was done according to the method described in [2]. Afterwards, a stepwise linear regression model was performed with all included variables in the FHysioCheck to find a non-biased regression and establish a regression to gait regularity.
The length of the left leg’s gait line, the step length, timepoint of the load change from heel to forefoot, the result of the active straight leg raise test, and the difference in cm between the range of motion in the Y Balance test (post medial and post lateral of the right leg) were finally included in the multi-linear regression model showing an r² of 0,960 (p0,001).
Tracking gait regularity with a smartphone and calculating λ substantially correlates to everyday movements. It is highly correlated to common functional tests used in clinical practice and it can be stated that a lower λ value is indicative of a shuffling gait, a limitation in the range of motion in hip movements, and a lack of utilization of mobility.
In practical terms, λ provides a reliable indication of gait efficiency and quality, and it can be used to monitor the gait regularity remotely with a smartphone in people's everyday lives and natural environment. Collecting real time gait data in people's natural environment offers opportunities to establish close monitoring that provides possible insights into long-term developments of diseases, showing individual daily movement challenges [6]. In future it could be even used to track the daily readiness for therapeutic management and maybe be implemented in preventive approaches.
Gait regularity
Functional tests
