ABSTRACT
With respect to the analysis of gait in the clinical setting, medical professionals measure and analyze the walking patterns of patients with locomotor impairment in the planning of treatment protocols, for example, orthotic prescription and surgical intervention. Clinical gait analysis is an evaluation tool that may determine the extent to which an individual’s gait has been aected by an already diagnosed disorder [7] or provide a baseline for gait disorders that are progressive. Examples of clinical pathologies currently served by gait analysis include
• Amputation [8] • Cerebral palsy [9,10] • Degenerative joint disease [11,12] • Joint pain [13] • Joint replacement [14] • Poliomyelitis [15] • Multiple sclerosis [16] • Muscular dystrophy [17] • Myelodysplasia [18,19]
5.3 Gait Data Reduction: Kinematics and Kinetics ...........................5-6 5.4 Illustrative Clinical Example ..........................................................5-8 5.5 Gait Analysis: Current Status ....................................................... 5-11 For Additional Information on Gait Analysis Techniques ................... 5-12 For Additional Information on Typically Developing
and Pathological Gait ...................................................................... 5-12 References .................................................................................................... 5-12
• Rheumatoid arthritis [20] • Spinal cord injury [21] • Stroke [22] • Traumatic brain injury [23]
Generally, gait analysis data collection protocols and data reduction models have been developed to meet the requirements specic to the research, sport or clinical setting. For example, gait measurement protocols in a research setting might include an extensive physical examination to detail the anthropometrics of each subject. is time expenditure may not be possible in a clinical setting. is chapter focuses on the methods to assess the walking patterns of persons with locomotor impairment, that is, clinical gait analysis. e discussion will include a description of the available measurement technology, the components of data collection and reduction, the type of gait information produced for clinical interpretation, and the strengths and limitations of clinical gait analysis.
