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Objective Clinical Evaluation of Function: Gait Analysis

Mr. Laughman is Research Associate, Department of Orthopedics, and a member of the faculty, Mayo Program of Physical Therapy, Orthopedic Biomechanics Laboratory, Mayo Clinic/Foundation, Rochester, MN 55905 (USA).
Ms. Askew is Research Physical Therapist, Orthopedic Biomechanics Laboratory, Mayo Clinic/Foundation.
Mr. Bleimeyer is System Analyst/Programmer, Orthopedic Biomechanics Laboratory, Mayo Clinic/Foundation.
Dr. Chao is Director of the Orthopedic Biomechanics Laboratory, Mayo Clinic/Foundation.

Automated gait analysis allows us to document and quantify objectively normal gait, functional deficits, and patient response to therapeutic intervention. Instrumentation for this analysis at the Mayo Clinic Gait Laboratory includes three-dimensional electrogoniometers for measurement of relative joint rotation at the hip, knee, and ankle; footswitches that record foot-floor contact sequences; instrumented mats that measure step length and width; piezoelectric force plates for measurement of floor reaction forces; and two walkways that simulate a variety of ground conditions. We use a DEC-PDP 11/34 computer for acquisition, storage, and analysis of data and for generation of a gait report form that displays a patient's results relative to normal and previous evaluations. Applications of these techniques include assessment of function preoperative and postoperative total joint arthroplasty, quantification of gait faults, and documentation of effectiveness of exercise and gait training techniques. We have demonstrated the reliability of the techniques, accumulated a sizeable normal data bank, and developed a concise, effective data summary for communication with referring practitioners.

Key Words: Biomechanics • Computers • Gait • Physical therapy

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