Gait Analysis
The evaluation of movement patterns during walking and running is called gait analysis. The most common method is observational analysis. This involves an observer watching watching the movements of an subject walking and/or running. Often, this method involves the use of video captured while a subject walks and/or runs. Many shoe stores use this type of analysis to refine shoe selection and some clinics use it to refine treatment programs. Certainly, there a place for 2-dimensional analysis; they are less expensive than 3D systems, easy to set up, and relatively simple to operate. However, 2-dimensional systems are prone to errors in measurement of joint angles and movement patterns associated with injury. 3D gait analysis utilizes three or more cameras and sophisticated software calculate movements 3 dimensions. These systems rely upon a computer to monitor movements rather than the human eye, and thus are far more accurate than 2 dimensional systems. A 3-dimensional analysis collects objective information that is free of biases and mistakes common to 2-dimensional analysis. Regardless of how the data is captured, it is then used to identify abnormalities in someone’s gait and to develop an effective treatment plan for injury recovery and prevention.
3D Motion Capture
The details of human movement are key to understanding the root cause of an injury and developing an effective treatment plan. We use three infrared, high-speed cameras that each collect 200 frames of data every second and track the movement of 35 reflective markers placed on your pelvis, legs, and feet. Thousands of frames of data are analyzed and a computer-generated, 3-dimensional model of your lower extremity is created. Your unique biomechanics are broken down into thousands of points of data including the direction and degree of movement, the timing of movement, and the velocity of movement. This objective and scientific information identifies movement patterns not visible to the human eye during observational analysis. The end result is an individualized report pinpointing the root cause of your injury and what needs to be done to rehabilitate from that injury.
Wealth of Data
Our system is built around the world’s largest database of information on the biomechanics of running and walking. Consequently, we can identify movement patterns which lead to injury with the highest degree of scientific certainty. This information helps us determine the root cause of an injury and prepare a personalized, 3D, biomechanical report. From our experience, most injuries involve problems with: biomechanics (your movement patterns), flexibility, strength, anatomy (including alignment), equipment, and training errors. The collected data is subsequently added into the database to continue the development and improvement of clinical research.
We offer two types of 3D gait analysis:
3D Gait Analysis
A basic 3D Gait Analysis involves a comprehensive 3-dimensional analysis of your running and/or walking biomechanics and how your gait biomechanics are related to scientific measurements of anatomical structure, flexibility, and strength. A comprehensive and individualized report is generated which identifies specific biomechanics movement problems in your gait. The analysis, report generation, and general overview of your biomechanics will be completed in a one-time visit.
Clinical 3D Gait Analysis
A Clinical 3D Gait Analysis includes a everything in the 3D Gait Analysis with the addition of a clinical assessment. A custom report is generated with specific recommendations to improve your running and walking movement patterns in addition to advice for correcting underlying deficiencies in strength, flexibility, training, and equipment. This report gives you the most scientifically accurate assessment of your gait biomechanics combined with the clinical assessment. The gait analysis, report generation, and clinical assessment are performed in two visits, typically about one week apart.
