Gait analysis studies movement patterns in humans and animals, used for clinical diagnosis, anatomical study, and fitting orthopedic devices. It can reveal important information about nerve damage, injury, and anatomical abnormalities. Gait labs and informal analysis are available, and fees vary depending on the service.
Gait analysis is the study of movement patterns as people and animals walk and run. There are many applications for gait analysis, including clinical diagnosis, anatomical study, and analysis of a patient for the purpose of fitting orthopedic devices. Gait labs are available for detailed analysis sessions, and informal analysis is also possible in any setting by having the subject walk and move while being closely observed by a gait expert.
Movement patterns while on the move can reveal important information about the subject of a gait analysis. Gait in people and many animals is well understood, and deviations from normal patterns can be indicative of nerve damage, injury, anatomical abnormalities, and other problems. In a gait lab, the cameras are trained on the subject and the subject is allowed to walk on force platforms that provide feedback as the subject moves through the lab. This information can be used to perform a very detailed analysis. In a more informal setting, people may look for signs such as a limp, bent ankles, and other gait irregularities.
In humans, gait analysis is often used for things like fitting athletic shoes and diagnosing people with gait-related medical problems. Patients with conditions such as cerebral palsy and injuries that affect gait may undergo gait analysis to gather information about the specific nature of the condition. This information can be used to develop a physical therapy program, fit the patient with specialized braces and shoes, and monitor the patient throughout treatment to see how well the patient responds to treatment.
In animals, gait analysis is used for similar purposes. Horses are among the most studied animals. This type of study can be used to monitor horses after injury, to develop and test specialized corrective shoes, and to determine if a horse is healthy and suitable for a given application. Racehorses, for example, must be in excellent physical condition with no gait abnormalities, as gait problems can cause injury or poor performance on the track. Similarly, horses used for physically demanding sports like jumping need strong and very healthy limbs.
Gait analysis experts charge variable fees for their services. Some medical professionals such as equine veterinarians and orthopedic doctors offer this service as part of a diagnosis and treatment plan, and will provide access to a gait laboratory for part of the patient’s fee. In cases where people are referred elsewhere for gait analysis, fees may be higher, reflecting the special nature of the service.
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