This test analyzes how you walk and identifies any abnormal walking patterns. A gait analysis has several components. Together they provide a comprehensive picture of the various factors contributing to the gait disorder.
First, the clinical exam is conducted by the doctor to determine the degree of strength, range of motion, tone, and selective motor control in the lower extremity. Then, you will be videotaped while walking. We will also capture video of your standing posture and footwear to assess wear patterns. This is put into a 3-D picture of the kinematics, or joint motion, to see how the body moves while walking.
Reflective markers (small balls) are taped onto the legs, pelvis, and trunk (shoulders and hips). Digital cameras record the markers’ movements to measure joint motion at the trunk, pelvis, hip, knee, and ankle. Data of the forces that cross the joints, kinetics, further reveal factors contributing to abnormal movement.
Finally, EMG provides information about how the muscles work while walking. We use the EMG data to see how each muscle functions and how it contributes to the gait abnormality. Pressure-sensitive foot switches tell us when and what part of the foot contacts the ground while walking and allow the EMG data to be correlated with the stance and swing phases of gait. In total, the gait analysis takes about two hours.
