Analyze Characteristic Curves of People Biomechanical Conditions with Knee Osteoarthritis Using Inertial Sensors on Flat Surfaces

The primary objective of this research was to examine the biomechanical aspects of walking on flat surfaces in individuals diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis. The study aimed to generate curves that could be compared with previous studies that did not involve knee-related issues. To achieve this, inertial sensors were strategically placed on the pelvis, quadriceps, tibialis anterior, and feet. Each adult participant underwent three measurements, and these data were categorized to establish average curves. Any measurements displaying anomalies or noise were excluded from the analysis. Three statistical methods, namely RMSE, Pearson's correlation coefficient, and the R2 determination coefficient, were employed in the study. Knee osteoarthritis is a prevalent condition, particularly affecting the knee joint due to its weight-bearing function. For every 4 kg of weight gained, the knee must endure an additional 18 kg of force during walking. Being over-weight by over 20% increases the risk of developing osteoarthritis by ten-fold. Besides knee osteoarthritis, factors such as excess weight, height, footwear, hormonal disorders, fractures, and trauma can also contribute to alterations in gait patterns. As a result of these various factors, the elderly participant labeled as P2 displayed a 0.49% determination coefficient for pelvic obliqueness and a 0.84% determination coefficient for knee flexion and extension. The results were positive, aligning with the expected out-comes. Furthermore, they underscore the importance of including a broader range of participants in the study, taking into account the stage of each older adult's disease progression to obtain characteristic curves specific to their condition.