Year: 2017
Type: dissertation
Abstract: Disturbances in gait during dual-task walking is a promising and well-researched indicator that can be recognized in early stages of cognitive impairment. Changes in gait in the dual-task condition have been shown to be associated with increased incidence of dementia, as well as the risk of falling in older adults. As well, advances in consumer electronics have enabled the use of body-fixed sensor systems to quantify gait features, allowing for simple and objective gait measurement in clinical settings. To date, there appears to be no tool that allows for the administration, evaluation and longitudinal study of dual-task gait. In this thesis, I combine recent efforts in both dual-task gait research and consumer wearable devices to develop a smartphone-based system for dual-task gait evaluation in the context of cognitive assessment. I also explore the barriers and facilitators that influence healthcare provider's perception of mobile and wearable technologies in their practice.
Source: TSpace (University of Toronto)
Author: Jenna Blumenthal
Language: English
Field: Health Professions
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
Funder: Toronto Rehabilitation Institute
OpenAlex ID: W2724770670