Spatiotemporal parameters of gait were acquired using the OptoGait System (OptoGait, Microgate, Bolzano, Italy). The system consists of transmitting-receiving bars aligned in parallel and creating a 7 × 1.3 m area that quantifies spatiotemporal gait parameters by using photoelectric cells that register interference in light signals. The sensors in the OptoGait System are placed over ground in a rectangular fashion where subjects walk within in circles. Ninety-six LED diodes are positioned on each bar one centimeter apart at three millimeters above the ground. When subjects pass between two bars positioned in parallel with the ground, transmission and reception are blocked by their feet, automatically calculating spatio-temporal parameters. Data were extracted at 1,000 Hz and saved on a PC using OptoGait Version 1.6.4.0 software. Gait parameters examined were gait speed, step length, and step width, for both feet and per foot. Linear measures including the mean (M) and the coefficient of variation [CoV, based on the formula (SD/mean) × 100%] were calculated for each gait parameter. All walking conditions were recorded with two Logitech web cameras from different angles to overlook any difficulties or changes during walking conditions. The OptoGait System has proven to be a highly reliable and valid instrument (Lee et al., 2014 (link)).
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