Australia and New Zealand Clinical Motion Analysis Group (ANZ-CMAG) clinical practice recommendations

Clinical motion analysis involves quantitative measurement of gait patterns to identify gait anomalies that currently or have the potential to impact function, activities of daily living and participation. Clinical motion analysis services are equipped with motion capture technology and comprise specialised staff who deliver 3-dimensional motion analysis services to children and adults who present with varying levels of gait impairment. Data is then used to inform intervention recommendations to clinicians with a view to maintaining independent, functional and pain free walking (or appropriate mobility). The ANZ-CMAG (established in 2013) identified a need to establish recommendations to assist in standardising practice guidelines for both current and new clinical motion analysis services within the region. The group serves to promote collaboration between services in quality assurance processes, clinical practices, data sets and research activities. The clinical practice recommendations described in this paper cover: i) requirements for a motion analysis service (including staffing, facilities and equipment), ii) patient assessments (requirements, clinical information and data gathered, reporting and interpretation of patient data), iii) quality assurance processes (including motion capture system / biomechanical models & limitations, marker placement, data storage / record keeping, creation of normative dataset); iv) helpful resources. Better outcomes for children and adults with gait deviations is dependent upon accurate measurement and evaluation of walking and requires input from multidisciplinary clinical teams with specialist knowledge and skills. The ANZ-CMAG hopes these clinical practice recommendations are beneficial to motion analysis services with an aim to improve clinical practices, patient outcomes, and support research collaboration.