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Reliability of four models for clinical gait analysis
Hans Kainz1, David Graham2, Julie Edwards3
1School of Allied Health Sciences, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia; Centre for Musculoskeletal Research, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia; Queensland Children's Motion Analysis Service, Queensland Paediatric Rehabilitation Service, Children's Health Queensland Hospital and Health Services, Brisbane, Australia; Human Movement Biomechanics Research Group, Department of Kinesiology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
Musculoskeletal Inverse Kinematics (IK) models show reliable joint kinematic and kinetic estimates for children with cerebral palsy (CP). These models offer advanced analysis, supporting improved clinical decision-making in CP gait assessment.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Clinical Biomechanics
- Pediatric Orthopedics
Background:
- Three-dimensional gait analysis (3DGA) is crucial for treatment planning in pediatric cerebral palsy (CP).
- Current clinical practice often relies on Direct Kinematics (DK) models.
- Musculoskeletal Inverse Kinematics (IK) models offer advanced analysis potential but require validation for clinical use.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate and compare the reliability of different Direct Kinematics (DK) and Inverse Kinematics (IK) models for 3D gait analysis in children.
- To assess the suitability of a modified musculoskeletal model for clinical application in CP.
Main Methods:
- Two testers performed 3DGA on 11 children with CP and 7 typically developing children on two separate occasions.
- Reliability was assessed using intra- and inter-tester standard deviations (SD) and standard error of measurement (SEM).
- Compared Plug-in-Gait (DK), a 6-DOF DK model, and two modified 'gait2392' IK models (OpenSim).
Main Results:
- All evaluated models demonstrated good reliability, with a mean SEM of 3.0° across all joint angles.
- Kinetic variations were lower in typically developing participants compared to those with CP.
- The modified 'gait2392' IK model showed reliable kinematic and kinetic estimates and allows for additional musculoskeletal analyses.
Conclusions:
- Musculoskeletal IK models, specifically the modified 'gait2392' model, are reliable for clinical 3D gait analysis in children.
- These models provide valuable insights into joint kinematics and kinetics, aiding clinical decision-making for CP.
- The ability to perform additional musculoskeletal analyses enhances the utility of IK models in clinical settings.