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Does Walking Steadiness work?
QHaving upgraded to iOS 15, I’m intrigued by its new gait analysis. Does it work, and is it useful for someone who doesn’t think they’ve got a problem yet?
AThe first measurements in this Health feature appeared in iOS 14, and they’ve now been extended and enhanced in iOS 15. If you’re a fit and healthy 20-something who goes fell-running and the like, it probably doesn’t have much to offer you, but for those growing older, or with neuromuscular or balance problems, it could provide valuable early warnings.
To get the best measurements, wear your iPhone as often as possible when you’re walking, even indoors, and in a hip pocket, where it can sense and measure your leg swing. Some features such as stair climbing require a connected Watch Series
5 or 6, as well as stairs greater than three metres in ascent.
Results are likely to be affected by problems affecting your back, legs or feet. Even a painful ingrowing toenail can throw walking asymmetry out. Once your iPhone has gathered a full week’s data, tap Health’s Browse tool then Mobility. Walking Steadiness there gives you an overall assessment based on advanced machine learning, which should give you an OK. Keep an eye on this, or set a notification, as changes are worth investigating further with your GP or a physiotherapist.
This gait analysis has already been used in research studies to assess patients who are recovering from joint surgery in their legs, where it has been shown to be at least as good as more costly and sophisticated methods. It also has the great advantage that it tracks changes walking in the real world, not brief sessions in a lab.