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Clinical-oriented Three-dimensional Gait Analysis Method for Evaluating Gait Disorder
Published on: March 4, 2018
A method for analyzing joint symmetry and normalcy, with an application to analyzing gait
Stephanie J Crenshaw1, James G Richards
1University of Delaware, College of Health Sciences, 345 McDowell Hall, Newark, DE 19716, United States. sjcren@udel.edu
Gait & Posture
|January 24, 2006
Summary
This study introduces a novel gait analysis method using eigenvectors to assess limb symmetry and normalcy. The technique compares individual limb waveforms to identify deviations in gait patterns for clinical applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Gait Analysis
- Signal Processing
Background:
- Gait analysis is crucial for diagnosing neurological and musculoskeletal disorders.
- Current methods for assessing gait symmetry and normalcy can be subjective or lack quantitative measures.
- Objective and reliable methods are needed to evaluate gait patterns accurately.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a new quantitative method for analyzing gait symmetry and normalcy.
- To utilize eigenvector comparison of waveforms for objective gait assessment.
- To provide clinicians with reliable measures for evaluating gait deviations.
Main Methods:
- A novel method employing eigenvectors to compare gait waveforms.
- Symmetry analysis by comparing right and left limb waveforms of a single subject.
- Normalcy analysis by comparing a subject's limb waveform to a normative database of healthy controls.
- Calculation of four key measures: trend phase, trend symmetry/normalcy, range amplitude ratio, and range offset.
Main Results:
- The method provides four distinct quantitative measures for gait symmetry and normalcy.
- Trend symmetry/normalcy assesses waveform shape similarity between limbs.
- Range amplitude ratio quantifies differences in the range of motion between limbs.
- Range offset measures differences in the operating range of limb movement.
Conclusions:
- The proposed eigenvector-based method offers a robust and quantitative approach to gait analysis.
- This method can objectively assess gait symmetry and normalcy, aiding in clinical diagnosis.
- The four derived measures provide comprehensive insights into gait pattern deviations.
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