Gait Analysis
Provided by the Gait Lab
Overview
What is Gait Analysis?
Gait Analysis is a method for measuring walking patterns.
How does it work?
The Gait Lab is equipped with 12 motion-capture cameras and other state-of-the-art equipment. We stick small, reflective spheres tothe pelvis, legs and feet, which allows the cameras to record the way a person walks. From this we can determine:
- Movement patterns of legs and feet
- Forces acting at the joints
- Activity of muscles during walking
- Loading of the feet during walking
This allows us to:
- Accurately measure abnormalities in walking patterns
- Determine the cause of abnormalities during walking
- Provide information to assist clinical decisions about treatment, such as surgery, therapy and orthotics
- Evaluate the outcome of treatment, in order to maximise results
Images, left to right: Gait Lab, Clinical area, Static stickman,
What does a visit to the Gait Laboratory involve?
Younger Patients Guide to the Gait Lab
On arrival at the Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre, please report to the Tebbit Centre reception. They need to bring a pair of shorts, and any walking aids or orthotics they are using.
The gait analysis procedure involves:
- Taking the history
- Clinical assessment - a clinician will assess the joints and muscles in both legs
- Data collection - after sticking reflective markers on both legs, the patient will be asked to walk up and down the laboratory a number of times
The whole process may take anywhere between 1 and 3 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Team
The Oxford Gait Analysis Team is composed of:
- Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeons
- Specialist Physiotherapists
- Bio-Engineer
- Clinical Technologists
- Orthotist
- Administrator
We are also actively involved in research (in conjunction with Oxford University) to improve our understanding of human walking, and to objectively analyse outcomes of treatment. Please click here to go through to our research page
Contact Us
Oxford Gait Laboratory
Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre
Windmill Rd
Headington
Oxford
OX3 7HE
Phone: 01865 227609
Fax: 01865 227493
Email: gait.lab@noc.nhs.uk