An accelerometer-based festinating gait detection algorithm and its application to Parkinson's Disease development

Festinating gait is one of the most commonly seen motor symptoms of Parkinson's Disease patients. In this research, an accelerometer-based sensing system implemented on a vest is used to detect the behavior of festinating gait. The detection algorithm is based on the analysis of gait symmetry from the data measured by accelerometers. Specific indices were proposed to evaluate the severity of festinating gait behavior. Along with detection of the upper body lean forward angle while walking, the system could be used as a long-term trend monitoring tool for the development of festinating gait. This application could help users to know the development of the progressive behavior of festinating gait and hence to get proper treatment on PD earlier.