Ecological Momentary Assessment of Head Motion: Toward Normative Data of Head Stabilization
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Authors
Hausamann, Peter
Daumer, Martin
MacNeilage, Paul R.
Glasauer, Stefan
Issue Date
2019
Type
Article
Language
Keywords
accelerometry , balance , gait , head stabilization , motion sensors
Alternative Title
Abstract
Head stabilization is fundamental for balance during locomotion but can be impaired in elderly or diseased populations. Previous studies have identified several parameters of head stability with possible diagnostic value in a laboratory setting. Recently, the ecological validity of measures obtained in such controlled contexts has been called into question. The aim of this study was to investigate the ecological validity of previously described parameters of head stabilization in a real-world setting. Ten healthy subjects participated in the study. Head and trunk movements of each subject were recorded with inertial measurement units (IMUs) for a period of at least 10 h. Periods of locomotion were extracted from the measurements and predominant frequencies, root mean squares (RMSs) and bout lengths were estimated. As parameters of head stabilization, attenuation coefficients (ACs), harmonic ratios (HRs), coherences, and phase differences were computed. Predominant frequencies were distributed tightly around 2 Hz and ACs, HRs, and coherences exhibited the highest values in this frequency range. All head stability parameters exhibited characteristics consistent with previous reports, although higher variances were observed. These results suggest that head stabilization is tuned to the 2 Hz fundamental frequency of locomotion and that previously described measures of head stability could generalize to a real-world setting. This is the first study to address the ecological validity of these measures, highlighting the potential use of head stability parameters as diagnostic tools or outcome measures for clinical trials. The low cost and ease of use of the IMU technology used in this study could additionally be of benefit for a clinical application.
Description
Citation
Hausamann, P., Daumer, M., MacNeilage, P. R., & Glasauer, S. (2019). Ecological Momentary Assessment of Head Motion: Toward Normative Data of Head Stabilization. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 13. doi:10.3389/fnhum.2019.00179
Publisher
Journal
Volume
Issue
PubMed ID
ISSN
1662-5161