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A gait laboratory is a high-tech facility used to analyse how people walk and identify mobility issues.
Also known as a video vector gait laboratory or motion analysis laboratory, they are equipped with cameras, force plates, and measurement tools that provide data on joint movement, muscle activity, and walking forces. This helps pinpoint any problems caused by muscle, nerve, or skeletal conditions and guides treatment with orthotics.
A video vector gait laboratory has several components:
Gait labs like ours measure force in three planes; sagittal, coronal and transverse. The technology creates a vector or graphical representation of this force which is then projected on to the camera footage of the person walking.
The result is that our clinicians can accurately see where the vector is located. In particular, its direction and where it is in relation to the joints in the stance leg. Understanding where the force is positioned in relation to the leg is essential for accurate fine-tuning of the lower limb orthotics that we prescribe.
For example, if the vector is positioned too far in front of the knee at late mid-stance, there will be a hyperextension force applied to the knee.
The aim of our work within the gait laboratory is to produce orthotic prescriptions that are designed to:
Gait labs are particularly useful for people with movement disorders caused by neurological conditions like:
They also benefit those recovering from brain injuries, strokes, or SDR surgery.
Gait analysis laboratories can significantly improve the assessment, production and fitting of orthotics by offering:
Getting real-time feedback during walking or other activities can help clinicians and orthotists evaluate the effectiveness of the orthotics prescribed and make adjustments as required immediately.
Incredibly precise measurements of joint angles, muscle activity and ground reaction forces means we can create orthotics that fit and function optimally.
Gait laboratory data is objective (unlike human bias) which can help identify specific areas of weakness or dysfunction and track progress over time.
No two patients are the same, so when it comes to orthotics, it’s not a case of one-size-fits-all. Gait lab data can help our orthotists create even more bespoke treatment plans for patients, based on their specific gait patterns and their individual goals.
Detailed information and feedback from gait laboratories mean better and more effective orthotics, leading to better outcomes for patients.
We have gait labs in the following locations:
Have a question about your condition or treatment options? We’re here to help.
Simply complete our contact form, and a member of our team will get back to you to answer your questions and help you understand the next steps.