[Capacity and performance: ambulatory monitoring under controlled and real-life conditions]

To determine the value of ambulatory monitoring in assessing human gait. To describe the sensors, the parameters and the ambulatory devices.Literature review and practical experience about techniques, principles, objectives and limits.Accelerometry is the main technique for ambulatory monitoring because of its reliability, pertinence of signals and software developed for interpretation. Simultaneous monitoring of heart rate response is clinically relevant. Pedometers and actimeters can answer precise clinical questions about amount of walking activity.Ambulatory monitoring during long periods (one day or more) is important, especially for rehabilitation medicine because it measures the actual patient activity performed and participation. The simultaneous monitoring of environmental conditions of activity should improve the interpretation of the data collected.