Cognitive Function Evaluation via Dual-Task Gait Sway Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for evaluating cognitive function based on human walking parameters lack accuracy, particularly in distinguishing between healthy individuals and those with cognitive decline.
Innovation Solution
A cognitive function evaluation device that collects gait data during a first walking section and a double task state, calculates feature values from this data, and uses these values to assess cognitive function, providing a more accurate evaluation by comparing them against reference thresholds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional gait parameters (step rate, step length, step width) are used for cognitive function evaluation, then the evaluation can be performed based on simple walking data, but the accuracy of cognitive function assessment is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the evaluation into two distinct walking sections: a first walking section for baseline gait parameter measurement and a second walking section for dual-task performance measurement. This segmentation allows the system to capture both simple gait parameters and cognitive-motor interaction parameters separately, improving assessment accuracy while maintaining manageable system complexity through structured data collection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a cognitive dimension to the traditional gait evaluation by introducing dual-task conditions in the second walking section. This transforms the evaluation from purely physical gait parameter measurement to a multi-dimensional assessment that includes cognitive processing, task switching, and divided attention capabilities, thereby significantly improving cognitive function assessment accuracy
2Measurement precision
If only simple walking parameters are measured, then the measurement process is simple and quick, but the ability to distinguish between healthy individuals and those with cognitive decline is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary data collection in the first walking section by measuring baseline gait parameters (step rate, step length, step width, sway amount) before introducing cognitive tasks. This preliminary measurement establishes a reference state that is later compared with dual-task performance, enabling more accurate discrimination between healthy and cognitively declined individuals while efficiently utilizing the evaluation time through structured sequential measurement
3Measurement precision
If dual-task conditions are introduced to improve cognitive function assessment, then the evaluation accuracy improves, but the complexity of the evaluation protocol increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the dual-task evaluation into a dedicated second walking section that follows the first walking section. This segmentation isolates the complex dual-task conditions from the baseline measurement, allowing the system to maintain simplicity in the first section while introducing complexity only where needed for cognitive assessment, thereby balancing ease of operation with evaluation accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the evaluation system to perform multiple functions: it can independently conduct simple gait parameter measurement (first walking section) and dual-task cognitive-motor evaluation (second walking section). This multi-functionality allows the system to adapt to different evaluation needs, maintaining operational simplicity when full cognitive assessment is not required while enabling comprehensive assessment when needed
Data Source
AI summary
A cognitive function evaluation device includes: an obtainment unit configured to obtain, as gait data, at least one of first data and second data, the first data indicating a sway amount of a body of a subject during walking in a first walking section from start of walking of the subject to a predetermined number of steps, and the second data indicating a sway amount of the body of the subject during walking in a second walking section in a double task state in which the subject is walking while doing a given assignment, the second walking section being after the first walking section; a calculation unit configured to calculate a feature value based on the gait data; an evaluation unit configured to evaluate a cognitive function of the subject, based on the feature value; and an output unit configured to output a result of evaluation by the evaluation unit.