The purpose of this study is to develop a system capable of performing calculation of temporal gait parameters using two low-cost wireless accelerometers and artificial intelligence-based techniques as part of a larger research project for conducting human gait analysis. Ten healthy subjects of different ages participated in this study and performed controlled walking tests. Two wireless accelerometers were placed on their ankles. Raw acceleration signals were processed in order to obtain gait patterns from characteristic peaks related to steps. A Bayesian model was implemented to classify the characteristic peaks into steps or nonsteps. The acceleration signals were segmented based on gait events, such as heel strike and toe-off, of actual steps. Temporal gait parameters, such as cadence, ambulation time, step time, gait cycle time, stance and swing phase time, simple and double support time, were estimated from segmented acceleration signals. Gait data-sets were divided into two groups of ages to test Bayesian models in order to classify the characteristic peaks. The mean error obtained from calculating the temporal gait parameters was 4.6%. Bayesian models are useful techniques that can be applied to classification of gait data of subjects at different ages with promising results

Wheelchairs are vital for the successful rehabilitation and inclusion of people with mobility disabilities; 10% of the population with disabilities needs a wheelchair, but only 15% have access to a...

The benefits experienced by assistive technology (AT) users include increased independence and comfort, however, only a small percentage of the world population with a disability has access to AT. In low income countries AT is rarely available. Sustainable methods for designing, producing and distributing AT within these are required. This paper describes the design and implementation of a seating fabrication system to be used in clinical rehabilitation settings in urban areas of low income countries. The system was implemented and tested in a collaborative project between Mexico and Colombia. More than 60 seating systems were fabricated. Therapists approved and adopted the system easily. Children and adults with disabilities were provided with a custom made seating system. Numerous additional devices would need to be developed before the AT needs of these countries are met. However, international teamwork between local universities proved to be an effective method to address the AT needs of their communities. This approach could be implemented in other low income countries.