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Computerized Motion Analysis For Clinicians
Motion analysis is a scientific process that uses advances in engineering, mathematics, instrumentation, medicine, imaging and computer technology to record and decode the characteristics and underlying reasons of a movement pattern of interest. It is an integral component of a scientifically founded clinical approach to evaluating neuromusculoskeletal motion disorders and making recommendations for or determining interventions to treat or improve the motion disorder. Since the approach is quantitative, it can be used to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of treatments. Changes in any of the motion parameters monitored can be identified immediately.
At Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, computerized motion analysis focuses on the analysis of human walking (gait analysis) and upper-extremity function during activities of daily living. Patient information is recorded and analyzed, including movement patterns of the entire body, external forces applied to the body that may affect the manner of walking, muscle-activation patterns, and pressure distribution on the bottom of the foot while the person is standing or walking.
Referring Your Patient
Clinicians or healthcare professionals may make patient referrals for computerized motion analysis at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab. To refer a patient, please take the following steps:
- Fill out our referral form.
- Include your patient’s most recent clinical note where the need for the motion analysis is explained, and include any previous surgeries along with the treatments currently under consideration.
- Provide your patient with the referral to Shirley Ryan AbilityLab.
- Have the patient call us at 312.238.1447 to schedule an appointment.
Our team will coordinate all scheduling and billing with your patient. Within six to eight weeks following the motion analysis, you will receive the final report about your patient.
*Please note: It is recommended that patients be at least four years old and 38 inches tall, as cooperation is needed during the evaluation and the ability of the cameras to resolve the coordinates of the reflective markers decreases as they get closer together. Patients should also be able to follow simple instructions, tolerate tactile stimulation and walk at least 20 feet.
Kinematic data (joint motion data) for patients with a knee-ankle-foot orthosis (KAFO) or twister cables is limited to documenting the movement of the brace, not the joints within the brace because the reflective markers are placed on the components of the brace instead of the anatomical landmarks necessary.