Balance confidence classification in people with a lower limb amputation using six minute walk test smartphone sensor signals

Abstract

The activities-specific balance confidence scale (ABC) assesses balance confidence during common activities. While low balance confidence can result in activity avoidance, excess confidence can increase fall risk. People with lower limb amputations can present with inconsistent gait, adversely affecting their balance confidence. Previous research demonstrated that clinical outcomes in this population (e.g., stride parameters, fall risk) can be determined from smartphone signals collected during walk tests, but this has not been evaluated for balance confidence. Fifty-eight (58) individuals with lower limb amputation completed a six-minute walk test (6MWT) while a smartphone at the posterior pelvis was used for signal collection. Participant ABC scores were categorized as low confidence or high confidence. A random forest classified ABC groups using features from each step, calculated from smartphone signals. The random forest correctly classified the confidence level of 47 of 58 participants (accuracy 81.0%, sensitivity 63.2%, specificity 89.7%). This research demonstrated that smartphone signal data can classify people with lower limb amputations into balance confidence groups after completing a 6MWT. Integration of this model into the TOHRC Walk Test app would provide balance confidence classification, in addition to previously demonstrated clinical outcomes, after completing a single assessment and could inform individualized rehabilitation programs to improve confidence and prevent activity avoidance.