UCHealth Foot and Ankle Center - Central Park

What is a clinical gait analysis?

Clinical gait (a.k.a. walking) analysis uses highly specialized motion capture equipment to help understand what might be causing your movement challenges. We use motion capture, similar technology as used in the motion picture industry and video games, to create a 3D model of how you walk.

The personalized data we collect allows us to understand different aspects of movement: kinematics (joint angles), kinetics (joint force, moment, power), surface electromyography (muscle activation timing), plantar pressure (how your feet contact the ground), and temporal-spatial (walking speed, cadence, etc.).

Combining all these different data types allows us to assess and treat conditions affecting your ability to walk.

What to bring

• Please bring shorts for your gait analysis.

– Athletic shorts work best, if you have them. Ideally, short length is above your knees or loose enough they can be rolled up above your knees. If you forget to bring shorts, we have disposable paper shorts available for you in the lab.

• Please bring the shoes, assistive device (e.g. cane, brace), and/or orthotics you typically wear for everyday activities in case we want to compare this to your barefoot walking.

What to expect

Your gait analysis will last 1½ to 2 hours and will be with our physical therapist and biomedical engineer.

1. Physical exam and history

When you arrive, we will discuss your expectations for the study (what you hope to learn, reason for referral) and review your relevant medical history. A physical therapist will perform a physical exam of your legs to assess range of motion, reflexes, and strength.

2. Motion capture prep

Once the physical exam is complete, the physical therapist and engineer will place small, reflective markers on your legs using hypoallergenic, double-sided tape. These markers are like stickers and are placed on key locations so the computer can build a model of you and record marker positions in the lab while you move. We may also place surface EMG sensors, also like a sticker, that record via Bluetooth when you muscles are firing to produce movement.

3. Data collection

You will then walk barefoot along the walkway while we collect your motion data using the equipment described above. Our special walkway has additional built-in sensors that provide data about the forces you generate to produce movement and how the bottom surface of your foot is interacting with the floor. Depending on why you were referred for a gait analysis, we may also assess other functional movements (e.g. squat, hop, trunk, balance) to better understand your unique condition.

4. Finishing your appointment

Once we have collected all the data, we will remove all the markers and EMG sensors. At this point your appointment will be complete and we will begin processing all your data.

5. Motion capture data review

After your data has been processed, our multi-disciplinary team (physician, physical therapist, engineer, orthotist) will review your data and generate a report of our findings with any recommendations and/or suggested treatment options.

6. Next steps

The health care provider who referred you to the clinical motion analysis laboratory will also receive a copy and will schedule a separate follow-up appointment with you to discuss the results, treatment options, and next steps.

When will I receive my results?

Your results will be uploaded to your profile on the My Health Connection, which you can access via the UCHealth patient portal. It will take approximately two weeks from your visit to receive your results.

Our state-of-the-art motion capture laboratory allows us to assess much more than just walking. We also specialize in athletic performance and sports motion analysis. We cater to a diverse array of athletic ability (amateur to professional), sports, and functional movements. We assess your athletic performance and identify areas of improvement and provide recommendations for training, return to sport, and treatment options.

When a more targeted analysis to a specific issue is needed, we have movement clinics designed to focus on those select components. These clinics are designed to be a shorter duration and can provide results sooner.

For example, a Partial Gait Analysis focuses on ankle/foot biomechanics (angles, forces) and plantar pressures during a functional walking task. This visit lasts about 15 minutes.