Gait analysis is also known as motion analysis. It is an assessment of coordinated muscle function and is conducted in a laboratory. Gait analysis is intended to provide an assessment of an individual’s walking pattern that is based on kinetic and kinematic measurements, dynamic electromyographic studies and visual recordings of motion. It is proposed to aid in surgery planning, treatment planning for rehabilitative medicine and prosthetic/orthotic device design, selection, and alteration.

Gait analysis assessment options can include:

• Cameras and videos to record a person walking
• Computers to analyze how well the person walks
• Special flooring (force plates) to show where the person's feet touch the ground while walking
• Special machines to record muscle activity in the person's legs when he or she walks.

• Gait analysis is intended to help people find ways to walk better.
• Gait analysis can suggest changes in a person’s exercise program.
• For a person with cerebral palsy, gait analysis can be used to predict what type of muscle, tendon, orjoint surgery would be most helpful.

Will I live longer if I have a gait analysis?
There is no scientific evidence that gait analysis will lengthen your life.

Will gait analysis  improve my quality of life?
There is no scientific evidence showing that gait analysis will improve your life.

Does gait analysis improve my symptoms?
There is no scientific evidence that gait analysis will improve your symptoms.

How safe is this for me?

The technical aspects of gait analysis would not generally endanger an individual.

Alternative treatments (behavioral modification) include:

• Orthopedic appliances
• Physical therapy

The cost of gait analysis is based on the individual and the technology used for the analysis.

The cost may or may not be covered by insurance.

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