Gait & Motion Analysis Lab

The Gait & Motion Analysis Lab at Children’s of Alabama uses the BTS GAITLAB software for gait and motion analysis. Interpretation of gait and motion analysis data is used for guiding decisions regarding surgical, therapy and orthotic interventions.

Services

The Gait & Motion Analysis Lab team is led by a pediatric orthopedic surgeon. A team of physical therapists perform the gait analysis, collect data, and generate a report. The report is then reviewed by the team for interpretation. Clinical recommendations are made under the leadership of the pediatric orthopedic surgeon. Findings and recommendations are then sent to the referring physician.
Comprehensive Gait Analysis consists of a clinical evaluation, 3D kinematics, kinetics, and EMG.

Clinical Evaluation
The comprehensive evaluation performed by two physical therapists includes measurements of joint motion, muscle strength and spasticity, observation and video analysis of gait and movement with consideration of medical history, current functional levels, and family goals.

Kinematics
Reflective markers are placed on the skin to create a 3d skeletal model. This model is used to record joint angles throughout the gait cycle and is compared to normative data.

Kinetics
Six force plates measure the forces between the foot and the ground. This allows the physician to determine the amount of force that is generated around each joint.

EMG
Surface wireless EMG probes record the electrical activity of the muscles. Our lab currently has the ability to record EMG data for up to 8 channels via these probes.

Orthotic Analysis consists of a clinical exam and 2D video analysis of gait with real time ground reaction force vectors for the purpose of orthotic prescription.

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Candidates

Appropriate referrals include children with cerebral palsy, myelomeningocele, other neuromuscular conditions that cause significant impairment to gait, or when a major change in treatment is being considered, for example surgery, therapy, or orthotics.
The ideal candidate for a comprehensive gait analysis is:

• Age 4 or over
• Tolerant of tactile stimuli
• Independent walker with or without assistive device
• Has the ability to walk 20 feet multiple times
• Has the ability to follow directions & cooperate with a 2-4 hour test

Those referred for 2D orthotic evaluation do not have to meet all of the above criteria, but do need to have the ability to walk 20 feet multiple times and cooperate with a 1-2 hour test.

Scheduling

Please have your Physician complete the referral form below and fax to 205-638-6740
Gait Lab Referral

Contact Us

1600 7th Ave South
McWane Bldg., 3rd floor
Birmingham, AL 35233
Phone: 205-638-3590
Fax: 205-638-6067