A quantitative gait assessment method based on energy exchanges analysis during walking

A quantitative gait assessment method has been developed. It is based on energy analysis during walking. The energy of body´s centre of mass (COM) was observed. Exchanges between potential and kinetic energy is typical for walking of healthy subjects. Gait Efficiency Index (GEI) was defined as a measure of difference between time courses of potential and kinetic energy. The method was tested in five healthy subjects and compared to metabolic energy consumption. Good correlation between results obtained by both methods was found