Workshop: Gait analysis in cerebral palsy patients

Our goal is to provide clinical service to Cerebral Palsy (CP) patients with posture and movement disorders who are referred to us for evaluation. Through our clinical research, we aim to optimize the effectiveness of treatments for the motor dysfunction in children with CP.

The observation of gait in these patients represents an important part of the activities in a Motion Laboratory. Since the cause of the disorder is already known, the aim of the gait analysis is to determine the proper therapy in conjunction with the clinicians. It is obvious that in same way also the effects of therapy can be evaluated. It all starts with the observation of the patient in a standardized manner. Because our eyes are too “slow”,  the gait pattern is recorded by high- speed video cameras. For specific analysis a 3D motion analysis system (VICON) allows for the computation of joint torques, joint angles (ROM) and muscle activity (EMG). Two force plates (AMTI) are embedded in the floor, which allow for the measurement of the ground reaction forces (GRF).Knowledge of human anatomy, physiology and biomechanics and use of standardized descriptions of the movements of the joints are essential in assessing the patient‘s deviating gait pattern.