This study introduces a novel method for gait analysis using a single inertial measurement unit placed on the sacrum. This method is valid not only on level ground but also on incline and decline conditions. The method leverages the “crackle” function, the third derivative of the sacral resultant acceleration, to identify right and left gait events. This approach is particularly effective in capturing the initial peak in acceleration data during foot impact with the ground, often overlooked by other methods. The study aimed to demonstrate the method’s accuracy in identifying the right- and left-side impacts during level ground, incline, and decline runs across a range of speeds. Additionally, the algorithm was applied in outdoor running scenarios, where it performed very well, further validating its robustness and reliability. The results are compared with other existing methods to highlight the effectiveness of this approach.
