Effects of Gradual Spatial and Temporal Cues Provided by Synchronized Walking Avatar on Elderly Gait

Abstract

Aging often leads to elderly gait characterized by slower speeds, shorter strides, and increased cycle; improving gait can significantly enhance the quality of life. Early gait training can help reduce gait impairment later on. Augmented reality (AR) technologies have shown promise in gait training, providing real-time feedback and guided exercises to improve walking patterns and gait parameters. The aim of this study was to observe the effects of gradual spatial and temporal cues provided by a synchronized walking avatar on the gait of elderly participants. This experiment involved 19 participants aged over 70 years, who walked while interacting with a synchronized walking avatar that provided audiovisual spatial and temporal cues. Spatial cueing and temporal cueing were provided through distance changes and phase difference changes, respectively. The WalkMate AR system was used to synchronize the avatar’s walking cycle with the participants’, delivering auditory cues matched to foot contacts. This study assessed the immediate and carry-over effects of changes in distance and phase difference on stride length, cycle time, and gait speed. The results indicate that gradual spatial and temporal cueing significantly influences elderly gait parameters, with potential applications in gait rehabilitation and training.

Keywords

• human–computer interaction
• rehabilitation
• augmented reality
• mixed reality
• multi-modal feedback system
• mutual entrainment