About Movement Analysis

• Clinical Movement Analysis
• How is Movement Analysis performed?
• Gait Analysis Systems
• Requirements for Gait Analysis

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Clinical Movement Analysis

The clinical application of movement analysis is a collaborative process between the referring health professional and Movement Laboratory staff, in which information including the patient's symptoms, the physical examination, and laboratory-generated data are combined for clinical decision-making for overall patient management.

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How is Movement Analysis performed?

A session of 3-dimensional movement analysis usually takes 1½ to 3 hours in the Laboratory, depending on the patient and the level of analysis requested.

Following standard anthropometric measurements, reflective markers (14mm spheres) are attached to specific landmarks on the body. Six high-speed infrared cameras record the spatial coordinates of the reflective markers, which are used to derive the spatio-temporal aspects of the movement (e.g. speed, joint angles). These data can be compared with age-matched reference data when this is available.

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Gait Analysis Systems

We employ two methods to analyse gait:

1. The GAITRite Walkway System
2. Three-Dimensional Gait Analysis

1. The GAITRite walkway system:

This is a portable instrumented carpet that can be used in either a laboratory or field setting. The walkway is 4m long x 0.6m wide x 6mm high and contains 13,824 sensors. Up to forty-one basic gait measures such as walking speed and step length are immediately available upon the completion of a walk across the mat. Assessment using this system takes about half an hour.

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2. Three-Dimensional Gait Analysis:

This method uses a high speed 3-dimensional motion analysis system combined with force measurement devices embedded in the ground. These systems allow the collection of complex information such as push-off force, landing force and limb movements.

A session of 3-dimensional gait analysis usually takes 1½ to 3 hours in the Laboratory, depending on the patient and the level of analysis requested.

Standard anthropometric measurements (height, leg length, hip width) and other clinical tests are undertaken. Reflective markers (14mm spheres) are attached to specific landmarks on the body. The patient then performs several walking trials along a 10m walking track. Six high-speed infrared cameras send out infrared light (which you are unable to see) that bounces off the reflective markers and back to the cameras. The spatial coordinates of the reflective markers are used to derive the spatio-temporal aspects of gait (e.g. speed, step length, step time, joint angles).

These data are then combined with force plate data to calculate net moments around each joint . The magnitude and timing of these variables is plotted relative to key events in the gait cycle and can be compared with age-matched reference data where available. A stick figure representing the person and a summary report about a person's gait (as shown below) can be produced.

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Requirements for Gait Analysis

Patients referred for gait analysis are requested to bring loose fitting shorts and a crop top/singlet as well as their normal footwear, walking aid and/or orthosis as required.

Changing facilities are available. Patients need to be able to walk 10m independently, and will be required to undertake multiple 10m walking trials with rests as necessary.

All walking sessions will also be videotaped. Depending on the level of analysis requested, the length of sessions can vary between half an hour to 3 hours.

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