KCRC Motion Analysis Laboratory |
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The KCRC Motion Analysis Laboratory is a leading center for the evaluation of children with motor problems. It is staffed by professionals with special training in gait analysis. The staff includes biomedical engineers, physical therapists, computer technicians, and an orthopaedic surgeon. Dr. Mark Abel is the Medical Director of the Motion Analysis Laboratory.
No two patients or conditions are exactly the same and the movements of muscles and joints are extremely complex. The analysis provides the details of the joint movements, foot pressures and muscle activity to help physicians in determining the cause of gait abnormalities, the type of treatment indicated, the effect of treatments such as physical therapy, bracing or surgery, and the patient's progress with growth and age. How does the lab work? The Laboratory houses state-of-the-art equipment including: a multi-camera video system, floor-mounted force plates and special tracking instruments. The evaluation begins with a detailed history and physical examination. Then, reflective markers are taped to specific bony landmarks so that the body parts can be tracked by the cameras. Patients wear tight fitting bathing suits or spandex shorts so these body parts can be acurately marked. These procedures are not painful. Once the markers are in position, the patient walks down a marked path. Computerized information obtained by high speed cameras give the staff information on the walking speed, step distances and joint movements. Additionally, muscle sensors are used to determine which muscles are active during the gait cycle and which muscles are contributing to the abnormal movements. The evalutions usually last two to three hours and may include barefoot walking as well as walking with braces. For many Motion Analysis Laboratory patients additional studies may include:
Report Information A final report is completed within a few weeks of the evaluation. The report contains information about:
A copy of the gait analysis videotape can be provided by special request. |
