Gait analysis offers a unique means to measure the mechanical factors of joint loading, orientation, and neuromuscular function during activities of daily living such as walking.
Gait analysis offers a unique means to measure the mechanical factors of joint loading, orientation, and neuromuscular function during activities of daily living such as walking. The core technology for this analysis is the motion capture system. In the figure to the right, optoelectronic cameras are used to measure the three-dimensional location of targets fastened to the lower limb.
By tracking targets on each limb segment of the lower limb, joint angles at the knee hip and ankle can be measured.
An instrumented force platform is used to measure the magnitude, direction, and location of the ground reaction force. Two force platforms (one under each foot) can be seen in the figure.
Combining the ground reaction forces, with the limb segment motion data provides the basis for calculating joint loading (net reaction moments and forces). These data are used to quantify the gait pattern.
Gait Cycle
Walking is a cyclic process; therefore, the relevant information can be captured during one complete gait cycle, which is the time between successive foot contacts of the same limb.
More Info
- Gait analysis (Wikipedia)
- Motion analysis theory (Kwon3D)