The area of interest for this project was Gait Analysis, this is the study of human locomotion through their walk. It isolates the unique movements people do whist walking. The purpose of this lab was to record the walking patterns of three of our group members with the app “ Physics Toolbox Accelerometer” and use google spreadsheets to create an equation that is able to predict the height, gender, or another variable of the subject based on the data presented to it. We first measured from the heel to the top of the hipbone of each group mate, recorded them walking for 16 seconds, uploaded the data to a google spreadsheet, and finally compared the data patterns between each person.
Presentations
Below is both my groups Gait Analysis lab report as well as a micro presentation regarding the predictive model we made.
Content
Gait- a person's manner of walking Predictive Model- process that uses data mining and probability to forecast outcomes. Each model is made up of a number of predictors, which are variables that are likely to influence future results. Once data has been collected for relevant predictors, a statistical model is formulated. Accelerometer- an instrument for measuring acceleration, typically that of an automobile, ship, aircraft, or spacecraft Leg Length- a measurement from the bottom on heel to top of hip bone Line of Best Fit- is a straight line that best represents the data on a scatter plot Linear Line- a line with a constant slope Regressions- a measure of the relation between the mean value of one variable and corresponding values of other variables Sinusoidal Curve- is a mathematical curve that describes a smooth periodic oscillation Frequency- number of occurrences of a repeating event per unit of time Wavelength- the distance between successive crests of a wave Trough- the lowest point the medium rises Crest- the highest point the medium rises Dynamically- (Links to an external site.) In terms of gait analysis, the quantification of variations in kinematic or kinetic parameters within a step
Reflection
Having the same groups as the last project really helped us produce high quality work because we had past experience with each other. There was hardly any downsides for the group over the course of the project. We collaborated very well together and stay on task during class. Two things personally I did well during this project were staying on task during class time and alternating between a listening or asserting role. I typically get distracted easily during projects so I knew coming into this project that it was a weakness of mine. I pushed myself to stay on task during the entire class time so I could produce my best work and reflecting back on it now I know I did. I also felt I did well in adapting to the needs of the team. We all had specific parts of the project that suited our attributes so we either took a leadership role or let another member take over for those portions. One of my attributes is my informative writing so for the project I was in charge of the introduction and methods sections.
Some things I can improve on for the next project is being more assertive when I need to be as well as practicing sentence structure to make my sentences stronger and more formal. By using more active verbs or complex sentences I will be able to communicate my thoughts more clearly onto paper. This in turn will help me be more selective on my word choice and make me analyze each sentence more in depth. Also I need to be more confident in my ideas with my group; there was a few times where I knew what I thought would benefit the project, but I didn't make a strong enough effort to communicate my ideas. In future projects if I am more assertive I will be able to fully contribute my thoughts to my team.