300 Section - Inertial Measurement Unit-Derived Gait Metrics and Compensation Strategies in Stroke Survivors: A Comprehensive Study Across Functional Ambulation Categories

This study aims to investigate quantitative gait characteristics across all Functional Ambulation Categories (FAC levels 0-5) in stroke survivors using inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensors. We hypothesize that IMU-derived gait parameters will demonstrate distinct biomechanical signatures corresponding to each FAC level, providing objective criteria for more precise functional assessment.


Design:

This retrospective observational study analyzed 301 gait assessments from 75 hemiplegic stroke participants recruited from stroke rehabilitation units. Temporal and spatial gait parameters—including stance time, stride time, gait velocity, cadence, and step length—were measured using wearable inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensors. Differences in gait parameters across FAC levels (0–5) were examined using one-way MANOVA, followed by Games–Howell post hoc comparisons, and associations between FAC levels and gait variables were evaluated using Spearman correlation coefficients.


Results:

For temporal parameters, large effect sizes (η² = 0.18–0.38) were observed between FAC 0-2 and FAC 3-5 groups, indicating FAC 3 as a critical transition point from dependent to independent ambulation. Stance time and stride time demonstrated the largest between-group differences (η²= 0.24–0.45), while cadence showed progressive improvements with medium to large effect sizes (η²= 0.11–0.26) across all FAC levels except between FAC 4-5. Gait velocity exhibited large effect sizes (η² = 0.19–0.31) primarily between lower and higher FAC groups.


Conclusion:

IMU-derived temporal gait parameters distinguish functional ambulation levels in stroke survivors and may supplement qualitative FAC assessments with objective metrics.