Assessment of Gait Parameters Using Wearable Sensors and Their Association With Muscle Mass, Strength, and Physical Performance in Korean Older Adults: Cross-Sectional Study
Background: Gait speed indicates of onset or decline of physical performance in sarcopenia. However, real-time measurements of other gait parameters, such as step length, stride length, step width, and support time, are limited. The advent of wearable technology has facilitated the measurement of these parameters, necessitating further investigation into their potential applications. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between gait parameters measured using wearable sensors and muscle mass, strength, and physical performance in community-dwelling older adults. Methods: In a cross-sectional study of 91 participants aged ≥ 65 years, gait parameters, such as step count, step length, cadence, single and double support times, vertical oscillation, and instantaneous vertical loading rate (IVLR), measured by a wireless earbud device, were analyzed with respect to the appendicular skeletal muscle mass index (SMI), calf circumference, hand grip strength, 5-time chair stand test, short physical performance battery (SPPB), and SARC-F questionnaire: strength, assistance with walking, rise from a chair, climb stairs and falls. This study was conducted from July 10, 2023, and November 1, 2023, at an outpatient clinic of a university hospital in Seoul, Korea. Multiple regression analysis was performed to investigate independent associations after adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, and comorbidities. Results: Among 91 participants (45 men and 46 women; mean age: 74.1 for men and 73.6 for women), gait speed and vertical oscillation showed negative associations with the 5-time chair stand test (p < 0.001) and SARC-F, but positive associations with SPPB (p < 0.001). Vertical oscillations were also associated with grip strength (p = 0.003). Single and double support times were associated with the 5-time chair stand test and SPPB (p < 0.001). In addition, double support time was associated with SARC-F scores (p < 0.001). Gait speed, support time, vertical oscillation, and IVLR showed independent associations with the 5-time chair stand test and SPPB (p < 0.001), both related to muscle strength or physical performance. Gait speed, double support time, and vertical oscillation all had significant associations with SARC-F scores. Conclusions: This study demonstrated a significant association between gait monitoring using wearable sensors and quantitative assessments of muscle strength and physical performance in elderly people. Furthermore, this study substantiated the extensive applicability of diverse gait parameters in predicting sarcopenia.