Abstract des Autors

Gait analysis has now advanced to the point where it is used as a routine part of patient management in certain centers. It is best thought of as a special investigation, which is used together with the history, physical examination and other special investigations to perform a detailed assessment of a patient with a walking disorder. Clinical gait analysis usually consists of 5 elements: videotape examination, measurement of general gait parameters, kinematic anaylsis, kinetic measurement, and electromyography (EMG). Kinematic measurements are usually made by television cameras, linked into a computer, which define the movements of the major joints of the lower limb in 3 dimensions. The primary kinetic measurement is that of the force beneath each foot while walking. By combining kinematic and kinetic data, it is possible to calculate the joint moments and poers, again in 3 dimensions. The joint angle, moment and power, and the EMG from specific muscles, provide a detailed description of the mechanics of gait. Such information enables much better decisions to be reached on the best way to treat the patient. The primary diagnosis which can be aided by gait analysis is cerebral palsy, but the technique is also useful in a number of other conditions. Verf.-Referat