Health / Wellness
Gait Analysis Enhances Treatment Decision Making
Walking has been described as a series of nearly missed catastrophes because the body is literally in a cyclic pattern of controlled falls.
Although the process of walking appears very basic since it is done so often and without conscious thought, it's actually quite complicated. The act of walking involves interactions of the brain, the spinal cord, nerves, muscles, tendons, ligaments, bones and joints. When any of these components are jeopardized in an individual, as in the case of cerebral palsy, walking can become not only complicated but also painful and exhausting.
Gait Analysis is a tool that allows for the measurement and analysis of how walking is accomplished. The Motion Analysis Center was established in 1994 as a joint venture between Mary Free Bed Hospital and Rehabilitation Center and Grand Valley State University in Grand Rapids. The Center's Mission is to promote independence for people with gait and movement disorders through objective analysis, education and research.
The Motion Analysis Center's primary client population is individuals with cerebral palsy. The lab uses high-speed cameras, small spherical markers, muscle activity sensors, and force platforms to record complex joint movements, muscle activity patterns and forces acting on the body during walking. The information is acquired and processed by a highly qualified staff with the aid of computers. Following a gait test, the referring physician is sent a written and graphical summary, which can help in establishing the most effective treatment program for clients with walking impairments.
Sarah, who has cerebral palsy, was referred to the Motion Analysis Cneter to help determine the need for specific muscle lengthening and tendon transfer procedures. At the time of her gait analysis, Sarah had a slow, labored, and unbalanced gait and used a walker. Gait analysis was successful in describing her ankle, knee, hip and pelvic motions and her muscle firing patterns during gait. With the help of the gait analysis results, it was decided to perform three specific muscle lengthening procedures (Achilles, hamstrings, hip adductors) on the right and left legs and an additional muscle transfer procedure (rectus femoris) on the right. A postoperative gait analysis one year after the initial evaluation showed marked improvements, Sarah was walking with a cane instead of a walker. Today Sarah walks unassisted. "A few years ago, I didn't have a whole lot of hope for Sarah walking. Now I'm thrilled with her progress," says Kelly, Sarah's mother.
Although Sarah was referred to the Motion Analysis Center for a surgical evaluation, the Center can also help document and direct decision making on other rehabilitation treatments such as the use of botulinum toxin, stretching and strengthening exercises, and bracing. Clients are accepted for gait analysis by physician referral, but this process is often initiated first through therapists and family. Insurance carriers, including Medicaid and Children's Special Health Care Services, usually cover gait analysis tests, but clients are encouraged to obtain prior approval for the test before coming for their appointment.
Clients coming to Grand Rapids from other areas of the state often stay at the local Ronald McDonald House for overnight accommodations.
For more information on gait analysis and/or the process of referring a client to the Motion Analysis Center, contact the Center at (616) 493-9833 or click here - Motion Analysis Center - Mary Free Bed.
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