What is Gait Analysis?
Gait analysis is the study of human motion, specifically the systematic study of walking and running patterns. It uses various methods to measure body movements, mechanics, and muscle activity, and is often used in orthotic practice to tailor treatments to individual needs, improve mobility, and enhance overall biomechanical efficiency.
Forms of Gait Analysis
- Visual Gait Assessment: The most basic form of gait analysis, often performed by clinicians observing a patient walk in a straight line. This can help identify obvious abnormalities but may miss subtler issues.
- Video Gait Analysis: This involves recording a person’s gait using video cameras. This footage is then analysed in slow motion to assess finer details of movement. This method is more precise than a visual assessment and is widely accessible. At The Orthotists Ltd, we will often ask consent to take some short video footage so we can use slow-motion . This is our favoured and the most practical approach and is incredibly helpful in allowing us to break down your gait cycle into segments and clearly identify any issues that we can address within your prescription.
- 3D Motion Capture Systems: Advanced gait analysis involves using markers and cameras to capture three-dimensional data. This system provides detailed information on kinematics (movement of limbs), kinetics (forces involved), and temporal parameters (timing differences).
Importance in Orthotic Practice
Gait analysis is essential in orthotic practice for several key reasons:
- Customisation: Provides the detailed data necessary to design custom orthotics that address specific abnormalities in a patient's gait.
- Diagnosis: Helps in diagnosing underlying conditions that affect gait, such as muscle weaknesses, joint alignment issues, or neurological disorders.
- Treatment Efficacy: Enables clinicians to objectively evaluate the effectiveness of orthotic interventions, allowing for adjustments as needed.
- Injury Prevention and Rehabilitation: By correcting dysfunctional gait patterns, orthotics can prevent injuries associated with abnormal biomechanics and assist in rehabilitation.
- Enhanced Mobility: Ultimately, the goal is to improve a patient's mobility and quality of life by optimizing gait efficiency and reducing discomfort or pain.
By integrating gait analysis into orthotic practice, practitioners can achieve better patient outcomes, making it a fundamental aspect of modern orthotic healthcare.
Benefits of Gait Analysis:
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