Evaluating Gait Symmetry With A Smart Robotic Walker A Novel Approach To Mobility Assessment

Gait asymmetry, a consequence of various neurological or physical conditions such as aging and stroke, detrimentally impacts bipedal locomotion, causing permanent biomechanical alterations, increasing the risk of falls and reducing quality of life. Addressing this critical issue, this paper introduces a novel diagnostic method for gait symmetry analysis through the use of an assistive robotic Smart Walker equipped with an innovative asymmetry detection scheme. This method analyzes sensor measurements capturing the interaction torque between user and walker. By applying a seasonal-trend decomposition tool, we isolate gait-specific patterns within these data, allowing for the estimation of stride durations and calculation of a symmetry index. Through experiments involving 5 experimenters, we demonstrate the Smart Walker's capability in detecting and quantifying gait asymmetry by achieving an accuracy of $84.9\%$ in identifying asymmetric cases in a controlled testing environment. The results underscore the potential of the device as a precise, ready-to-use monitoring tool for personalized rehabilitation, facilitating targeted interventions for enhanced patient outcomes.