Development and Validation of Ambulosono: A Wearable Sensor for Bio-Feedback Rehabilitation Training

Abstract

Wearable technology-based measurement systems hold potential for the therapeutic and rehabilitation management of patients with various chronic diseases. The purpose of this study was to assess the accuracy and test–retest reliability of a new-generation wearable sensor-based system, dubbed Ambulosono, for bio-feedback training. The Ambulosono sensor system was cross-validated by comparing its functionality with the iPod touch (4th generation) sensor system. Fifteen participants underwent a gait test to measure various gait parameters while wearing both the iPod-based and Ambulosono sensors simultaneously. The physically measured values (i.e., the true values) of step length, distance traveled, velocity, and cadence were then compared to those obtained via the two-sensor systems using the same calculation algorithms. While the mean percentage error was <10% for all measured parameters, and the intra-class correlation coefficient revealed a high level of agreement between trials for both sensor systems, it was found that the Ambulosono sensor system outperformed the iPod-based system in some respects. The Ambulosono sensor system possessed both reliability and accuracy in obtaining gait parameter measurements, which suggests it can serve as an economical alternative to the iPod-based system that is currently used in various clinical rehabilitation programs.