Performance Fatigability Index via Accelerometry
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a lack of objective, validated tools to measure performance fatigability among older adults, particularly in non-clinical populations, which hinders the understanding and management of fatigue-related issues.
Innovation Solution
The development of systems and methods to calculate performance fatigability indices using raw accelerometry data from triaxial accelerometers, specifically by analyzing gait cadence trajectories during walking tasks to quantify performance decrements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional subjective measures (questionnaires) are used to assess fatigability, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces subjective questionnaire-based assessment with objective accelerometer-based measurement systems. The accelerometer captures raw acceleration data during walking tasks, which is then processed to generate performance fatigability indices, eliminating reliance on subjective self-reporting while maintaining ease of administration through automated data collection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces accelerometers as intermediary devices that objectively measure gait parameters during walking tasks. These devices serve as mediators between the subject's physical performance and the assessment process, capturing quantitative data on gait speed, cadence, and variability without requiring subjective input from the subject.
2Device complexity
If simple gait speed measurement is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the assessment into multiple gait parameters (gait speed, gait cadence, gait variability) measured across different phases of a walking task (initial, middle, final portions). This segmentation allows comprehensive performance fatigability assessment using relatively simple accelerometer devices, capturing temporal changes in multiple dimensions of gait performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic walking tasks with defined phases (initial, middle, final portions) to elicit and measure performance changes over time. By structuring the assessment as periodic cycles of walking followed by data analysis, the system captures temporal patterns of performance deterioration without requiring complex continuous monitoring equipment.
3Measurement precision
If comprehensive gait analysis is performed, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary processing of raw accelerometer data during or immediately after the walking task, converting acceleration signals into gait parameters (speed, cadence, variability) in real-time or near-real-time. This preliminary action reduces the complexity and time required for subsequent analysis, enabling comprehensive gait analysis without excessive processing delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts key gait parameters (gait speed, gait cadence, gait variability) from comprehensive raw accelerometer data, focusing analysis on the most informative metrics. By extracting and prioritizing specific parameters that best indicate performance fatigability, the system achieves high measurement precision while reducing processing time compared to analyzing all available data dimensions.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for calculating performance fatigability measures for subjects based on raw accelerometry data are described herein. An example method includes receiving raw accelerometry data, where the raw accelerometry data is collected from a subject during a walking task. The method further includes analyzing the raw accelerometry data to calculate a performance fatigability index for the subject based on the raw accelerometry data. Optionally, the subject is an aging human adult.