ABCs of gait and running gait analysis

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this workshop is to provide the participant with a basic understanding of movement analysis and the features that critical to reliable and accurate data collection and calculations. Methods: Gait analysis is regularly performed both clinically and for research purposes. Often the methodology of each differ significantly. For example, the most common form of clinical gait analysis is observational. Here a clinician will watch a patient walk, or run, or any other relevant activity which is often related to the patient's impairments. Clinicians have key features in mind which contribute to a systematic and comprehensive observational gait analysis. There are guiding templates, such as Dr. Jaqueline Perry's Gait Analysis worksheets that are quite helpful, particularly as the clinician is gaining experience in gait analysis. These fundamentals of movement analysis will be reviewed, and the sagittal plane kinematics of gait will be evaluated in a sample patient as a learning tool. A slightly higher level of technical requirement includes a 2D motion analysis approach. Here, video cameras are often used to record motion and then reviewed at a later date to evaluate movement mechanics. Key technical features such as the video spatial resolution and the temporal resolution will be discussed. Reliability of this approach to movement analysis will be reported. Running gait analysis will be used as an example of a 2D video analysis and a standardized running biomechanics evaluation will be presented. Finally, 3D motion analysis will be presented. This will include a range of technical approaches, from optoelectric motion capture with passive markers sets to electromagnetic motion capture to biplanar fluoroscopy. Advantages and disadvantages of each will be presented and sample data will be provided. A key focus on reliability and accuracy will be discussed. Results: Following this workshop, the participant should be able to discuss and analyze various forms on gait analysis, from low-tech observational methods to high-tech 3D approaches. Conclusions: Gait analysis remains one of the most important features of the physical examination of patients with movement disorders. Critical evaluation of the important components of gait, running, stair climbing, jumping, etc can provide the clinician with therapeutic targets for clinical intervention or research study approaches. A deep understanding of the capabilities and limitations of each approach, from low-tech to high-tech, is critical to the responsible use of these important clinical and research tools.