Wavelet-based feature extraction for support vector machines for screening balance impairments in the elderly

Abstract

Trip related falls are a prevalent problem in the elderly. Early identification of at-risk gait can help prevent falls and injuries. The main aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of a wavelet based multiscale analysis of a gait variable [minimum foot clearance (MFC)] in comparison to MFC histogram plot analysis in extracting features for developing a model using support vector machines (SVMs) for screening of balance impairments in the elderly. MFC during walking on a treadmill was recorded on 13 healthy elderly and 10 elderly with a history of tripping falls. Features extracted from MFC histogram and then multiscale exponents between successive wavelet coefficient levels a..