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Gait Analysis: Techniques & Recognition of Abnormal Gait
Author(s) -
Pollo Fabian E.
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.21.5.a83-b
Subject(s) - gait , ground reaction force , kinematics , gait analysis , physical medicine and rehabilitation , motion capture , motion analysis , computer science , biomechanics , rehabilitation , force platform , medicine , motion (physics) , physical therapy , artificial intelligence , physics , anatomy , classical mechanics
Gait analysis is the systematic study of human walking using visual observation augmented by instrumentation for quantifying body movements and mechanics, and muscular activity. Motion capture systems typically consist of 5 or more cameras which record passive markers that are strategically placed on the subject's body. The three‐dimensional position of each marker is calculated in space and then using special algorithms the joint position, velocity and acceleration can be determined for any segment. Force platforms embedded in the middle of the capture volume allow for the recording of the ground reaction force, which when combined with the kinematic data allows for the calculation of joint kinetics (force, moment and power). Lastly, muscular activity can be simultaneously recorded with the kinematics and kinetics which then provides a detailed picture of an individual's walking function. Gait analysis is useful for clinicians that treat individuals with conditions that affect the locomotor system with assistance in making detailed diagnoses and plan optimal treatment. Many different patient populations can be evaluated with gait analysis including patients with cerebral palsy, degenerative arthritis, ligament injuries, amputation, stroke, and other neurological deficits.