Instrumental gait analysis
What is instrumental gait analysis?
Instrumental gait analysis is an advanced technique that uses state-of-the-art technology to accurately assess movement patterns while walking. This procedure makes it possible to identify biomechanical, functional, and neurological alterations that affect the way a person walks. It is a key tool for the diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of various pathologies related to the musculoskeletal and nervous systems.
What is this procedure for?
Instrumental gait analysis is primarily used in:
- Clinical diagnosis: It is used to identify gait abnormalities related to neurological, orthopedic, or muscular diseases.
- Treatment planning: It helps personalized rehabilitation programs to be designed around the patient’s specific needs.
- Post-surgical evaluation: It is used to monitor recovery after surgical interventions such as joint replacements or spinal surgeries.
- Clinical research: It is used to study the impact different medical conditions have on gait and to develop new therapeutic strategies.
- Sport and performance: It is used to optimize athletic performance by analyzing movement patterns.
Benefits of the latest technology in instrumental gait analysis
The procedure combines advanced sensors to measure biomechanical and functional gait parameters. The data obtained is processed using specialized software to generate detailed reports on kinematics, dynamics, and muscle activity during movement.
Instrumental gait analysis involves:
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Preparation:
During the initial consultation, the doctor will ask you some questions to learn about your medical history and better understand your symptoms. It is recommended that you wear comfortable, close-fitting clothing to facilitate the placement of the sensors and markers. Additionally, you should ideally come wearing the shoes you normally use, as this will allow for more representative results of your daily gait.
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During the procedure:
During the test, sensors will be placed on specific points of your body, such as your hips, knees, and ankles, to record your movements. You will walk along a conventional corridor or in a room of the hospital.
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After the procedure:
You can resume your normal activities immediately after the procedure. A biomechanics specialist will analyze and interpret the results and send them to your doctor.
Recommendations for the procedure
During the test, it is important to walk naturally and avoid sudden or exaggerated movements. In addition, you need to follow the technician’s instructions carefully before, during and after the procedure to ensure accurate results.
Are there any risks?
Instrumental gait analysis is a safe and non-invasive procedure. It does not involve exposure to radiation or require medication to be administered. However, there may be some minor considerations:
- Fatigue: You may experience mild fatigue if the test is repeated several times.
- Mild discomfort: If sensors or adhesive markers are used, you may experience temporary skin discomfort.
To ensure your procedure runs smoothly, we ask that you arrive before the scheduled time. This will allow us to complete the necessary administrative and clinical preparation.
Before the procedure, we will give you the Informed Consent form, a document with important information that you must read and sign.
If your appointment is for an MRI, it is crucial that you inform us about the presence of pacemakers, metallic objects, prostheses (including dental prostheses), tattoos, or drug infusion devices such as insulin pumps.
These diagnostic tests are very safe, but as with any medical procedure, there is still the unlikely possibility of an incident.
