CONNECTICUT CHILDREN S MEDICAL CENTER Gait Analysis
Why do Gait Analysis? Analyzing how someone walks can be difficult from observation and clinical examination alone. Gait analysis provides objective information that describes exactly the movement of the joints in three-dimensions, the activity of the muscles that cause movement and in some cases the forces at the joints during walking. This is important for people with complicated gait problems. Complicated gait problems may include such issues as frequent tripping and falling, fatigue and limitations due to joint and muscle pain. Once gait data is collected, it is used to assist physicians in treatment decision-making to correct gait problems. Treatment may include orthopaedic surgical intervention, physical therapy, bracing or medication. Gait analysis may also be repeated after treatment to determine treatment results and future treatment needs. Who benefits from Gait Analysis? Anyone who is experiencing difficulties with walking may benefit. Most of our patients have one or more of the following conditions: Cerebral palsy Traumatic brain injury Myelomeningocele Stroke/cerebral vascular accident Blount s disease Charcot Marie Tooth Leg length discrepancies Clubfoot Foot deformities Bony abnormalities
What happens during the analysis? Gait data is collected as the patient walks along a path. The patient must be able to walk a minimum of 10 consecutive steps, with or without a walker or crutches. If the patient has braces, the test is completed both with and without the braces. The specific gait analysis test will vary depending on the diagnosis and treatment options being considered. The evaluation may include any of the following components: Clinical examination measures the of flexibility of the joints and muscle strength while the patient is lying down or is seated. Video analysis records the patient walking. Full body and close-up views are obtained. The patient is not wearing any specialized equipment. Motion analysis measures joint motion, as well as speed, while walking. Reflective markers are placed on the patient s legs and trunk. Cameras track the movement of the reflective markers and the patient s joint angles are calculated and plotted. Pedobarograph measures the pressures under the foot when walking. To accomplish this, the patient walks across a thin plastic mat while barefoot. Electromyography (EMG) measures the activity of muscles similar to the way an electrocardiogram (EKG) measures the activity of the heart muscle. EMG records when the muscle is on or off during walking. This test is performed with electrodes placed on the large muscles of the leg. Gait Analysis can take up to three hours.
How to make an appointment? Patients must be referred by their physician. Referring physicians should complete a gait analysis referral form and send it to The Center for Motion Analysis along with pertinent medical information (forms available upon request or may be found on the website www.connecticutchildrens.org/referringphysicians). The Center for Motion Analysis staff will contact the patient to schedule an appointment. Fees vary according to the nature of the study. Patients should verify specific benefits related to gait analysis with their insurance provider. If you are unable to come to your scheduled appointment, please call at least 24 hours prior to your appointment to reschedule. What should I bring on the day of my appointment? Loose fitting shorts with an elastic waistband Tank top or two piece bathing suit for girls Braces with shoes, if applicable Necessary walking aids, such as crutches, cane or walker Recent x-rays or medical notes from physicians or physical therapists that may be helpful What happens after the appointment? The gait analysis data is processed and reviewed by the team of clinicians. A written report including interpretation of the data and recommendations for treatment will be sent to the referring physician approximately four weeks after the gait analysis.
CONNECTICUT CHILDREN S MEDICAL CENTER The Center for Motion Analysis 399 Farmington Avenue, Farmington, CT 06032 860.284.0201 860.284.0213 (fax) www.connecticutchildrens.org/centerformotionanalysis Connecticut Children s Medical Center, the region s only academic medical center dedicated exclusively to the care of children, is committed to improving children s physical and emotional health through family-centered care, research, education and advocacy. Named one of America s Best Children s Hospitals by U.S. News & World Report, Connecticut Children s offers a full range of quality pediatric services at its hospitals in Hartford and Waterbury, NICUs in Hartford and Farmington, Specialty Care Centers in Fairfield, Farmington, Glastonbury, Hartford and Shelton, and 11 other practice locations. For more information, please visit WWW.CONNECTICUTCHILDRENS.ORG 282 Washington Street, Hartford, CT 06106 2012 Connecticut Children s Medical Center. All rights reserved. 11-025 Rev. 9-12