An extended Kalman filter to estimate human gait parameters and walking distance

In this work, we present a novel method to estimate joint angles and distance traveled by a human while walking. We model the human leg as a two-link revolute robot. Inertial measurement sensors placed on the thigh and shin provide the required measurement inputs. The model and inputs are then used to estimate the desired state parameters associated with forward motion using an extended Kalman filter (EKF). Experimental results with subjects walking in a straight line show that distance walked can be measured with accuracy comparable to a state of the art motion tracking systems. The EKF had an average RMSE of 7 cm over the trials with an average accuracy of greater than 97% for linear displacement.