The purpose of this project was to investigate the question: "What is the relationship between height and gait frequency in walking humans?" Gait is the methodical study of human motion. It is a way for engineers to test and analyze the way people walk. The purpose of gait is to help those who have conditions that affect their ability to walk, making it important for medical diagnostics and biomechanics. Engineers do gait analysis by using visual observations and movement measurements such as an accelerometer, which measures the physical acceleration experienced by an object.
To answer this question, my group and I measured each other's leg lengths and gaits using an accelerometer, which measured the acceleration of each person's step. We then graphed and analyzed this data, allowing us to find the gait frequencies of each person. The average gait frequencies were graphed and a trendline was run. The equation of this line showed us the relationship between a person's leg length and gait frequency. From the line, we were able to derive an equation that allows us to accurately predict a person's gait frequency based off of their leg length.
Report
Micro Presentation
Concepts
Gait: The way a person walks, their stride. Gait Analysis: The methodical study of human motion, using observations and measurements. Acceleration: The rate at which an object changes its velocity. Equation is change in velocity divided by time. Measured in meters/seconds squared. Accelerometer: Measures the acceleration of an object. Force: An interaction that results in a push or pull on another object. Equation is mass(Kg) times acceleration (m/s^2). Measured in Newtons. Trendline: A line that indicates the general tendency of data. Metrics: A quantitative indicator of a characteristic. Model: A representation of observed behavior, allowing complex systems to be understood and behavior predicted. Symmetry: The quantification of differences between left-foot and right-foot steps. Variability: The quantification of fluctuations from one stride to the next.
Reflection
This was an interesting project. One thing I did well was staying on task. By working efficiently during class and not straying off topic, my group and I were able to accomplish the project on time. A second thing I did well was remaining positive. For this project, we had to deal with large amounts of data and really analyze it to figure out what it meant. It was difficult to interpret the data and create an equation to represent the relationship between gait and height. But, I remained positive even though the task was challenging, allowing me to eventually understand the data, construct a model, and write an equation to predict a person's gait frequency. One thing I could work on for next time is being more of a leader. This way I can make sure all of the group members have something to work on so we won't be rushed to finish the project on time. A second thing I can work on is my collaboration. At first, I did not collaborate much with my group since I was focused on my work. However, near the end of the project I found that communicating with my teammates and talking to other groups was helpful and allowed us to finish the project quicker.