Enhancing Observational Gait Analysis – Techniques and Tips for Analyzing Gait Without a Gait Lab

Abstract

In settings where three dimensional gait analysis is not feasible, observational gait analysis can provide important information about gait pathology.  Among the validated scoring systems to organize the observations of gait, the Edinburgh Visual Gait Score (EVGS) is the most comprehensive and has the most favorable psychometrics.  Improvements in mobile videography have created opportunities to obtain high-quality slow-motion video in a clinic setting.  These videos can provide excellent documentation of gait pathology in the sagittal, coronal, and vertical planes.  Free and low-cost video analysis software is now available on all mobile device platforms, allowing for slow-motion video analysis of gait with increased accuracy.  By utilizing the appropriate technology with a validated scoring system, gait analysis outside the walls of a gait lab is possible.  Though limitations of the mobile enhanced observational gait analysis technique require further study, the technique can facilitate improved documentation of gait pathology and improved communication between providers.   In settings where three dimensional gait analysis is not feasible, observational gait analysis can provide important information about gait pathology.  Among the validated scoring systems to organize the o In settings where three dimensional gait analysis is not feasible, observational gait analysis can provide important information about gait pathology.  Among the validated scoring systems to organize the observations of gait, the Edinburgh Visual Gait Score (EVGS) is the most comprehensive and has the most favorable psychometrics.  Improvements in mobile videography have created opportunities to obtain high-quality slow-motion video in a clinic setting.  These videos can provide excellent documentation of gait pathology in the sagittal, coronal, and vertical planes.  Free and low-cost video analysis software is now available on all mobile device platforms, allowing for slow-motion video analysis of gait with increased accuracy.  By utilizing the appropriate technology with a validated scoring system, gait analysis outside the walls of a gait lab is possible.  Though limitations of the mobile enhanced observational gait analysis technique require further study, the technique can facilitate improved documentation of gait pathology and improved communication between providers.  bservations of gait, the Edinburgh Visual Gait Score (EVGS) is the most comprehensive and has the most favorable psychometrics.  Improvements in mobile videography have created opportunities to obtain high-quality slow-motion video in a clinic setting.  These videos can provide excellent documentation of gait pathology in the sagittal, coronal, and vertical planes.  Free and low-cost video analysis software is now available on all mobile device platforms, allowing for slow-motion video analysis of gait with increased accuracy.  By utilizing the appropriate technology with a validated scoring system, gait analysis outside the walls of a gait lab is possible.  Though limitations of the mobile enhanced observational gait analysis technique require further study, the technique can facilitate improved documentation of gait pathology and improved communication between providers.  

Topics & Concepts