Description
In this experiment, the gait of four students was observed in order to analyze general walking patterns. The data was used to formulate an equation which derives height from leg length and step frequency. The program used to take data on the students’ gait was a mobile phone application called Physics Toolbox Accelerometer. The cell phone was attached to the students’ lower backs, while they each walked 10 steps in a straight line. The phone application took detailed data of the accelerations experienced in three axis, and automatically converted this information to a spreadsheet. Each student walked once wearing a backpack, and once without. The data was analyzed in order to make observations on the gait of the general population. The data collected in this experiment was not extensive enough to create an accurate equation that predicts the height and frequency of steps taken by any subject.
The Report
For the report we focused on analyzing all the data that we had collected. We had eight spreadsheets full of acceleration data, and we had to find a way to interpret it. We started by creating graphs that showed the accelerations of each different axis. Once we did this we began to compare each of the graphs, looking for differences caused by height, weight, and other factors. Eventually we settled on looking at the frequency of the steps, and comparing that to leg length. With some trial and error, we were able to come up with a formula that predicts the height of an individual based on leg length and average frequency: Height = L(1.64 steps/s) -0.0153
Data
This is some of our basic data, just to give you an idea of the numbers that we were working with.
Leg Length Height (m) Weight (kg) Frequency (steps/second)
Dean-1.12 M 1.83 63.5 1.56
Ben- 1.09 M 1.77 69.85 1.67
Liz-1.08 M 1.76 62.14 1.57
Austin-1.04 M 1.68 58.97 1.76
Leg Length Height (m) Weight (kg) Frequency (steps/second)
Dean-1.12 M 1.83 63.5 1.56
Ben- 1.09 M 1.77 69.85 1.67
Liz-1.08 M 1.76 62.14 1.57
Austin-1.04 M 1.68 58.97 1.76
Reflection
This project was fairly simple, but it helped me gain a lot of skills in relation to spreadsheets and data analysis. We had no major difficulties in analyzing the data, but we gained a lot of experience in spreadsheet equations and graphing. Our group worked well together, as long as we were all focused on the same thing. Sometimes we would all be working on different projects, which would make it harder to get things done. We were a little bit unorganized when it came to working on the report, but we were able to get everything done. Next time I will focus on having a clearer plan and promoting communication between group members, so that we can be more efficient and create an even better final product.