[Kinesiologic analysis of gait and abnormal movements]

Gait disorders, postural instability and movement disorders, such as tremor, chorea or dystonia, are common complaints in day-to-day neurological practice. These conditions are quite difficult to appreciate objectively when relying on clinical observation only, yet a correct assessment of their phenomenology and an accurate measurement of their main characteristics are required to address the questions of both the underlying diagnosis and the functional impairment they may generate. By contrast, kinesiological analyses allow qualitative and quantitative studies of gait, posture and movements and may lead to specific therapeutic interventions. kinesiological analyses, which requires a high-technology laboratory conducted by a trained staff, is based on the sequential or simultaneous use of various and complementary measurement methods, whose choice is problem-oriented. Hence, the use of specific observational analysis, three-dimensional kinematic recordings, poly-electromyography and electro goniometry for the analysis of gait, the use of force plate for the analysis of postural stability and the use of electromyography and multiaxial accelerometers or gyroscopes for the analysis of movement disorders. In the present article, we review the particular features of these measurement tools and the clinical usefulness of their routine use illustrated by case reports.