Centre for motion analysis

A movement analysis is an examination in which a person's gait pattern is systematically analysed and evaluated. The aim is to analyse movement patterns when walking in order to identify any disorders or abnormalities in gait and to plan appropriate treatment measures.

Gait analyses are used at the UKBB for the following problems

• Diagnosis of neurological gait disorders
• Orthopaedic disorders: Such as leg length differences, joint problems or deformities (e.g. clubfoot, hip dysplasia) for planning surgical corrections and measuring the results

• Neurological diseases: Such as cerebral palsy, neuromuscular diseases in children and also in adults with Parkinson's disease, after a stroke or multiple sclerosis, which can impair gait.
• Rehabilitation: To monitor the effects of injuries or operations on gait and to check the effectiveness of therapies, aids and orthoses.
• Sports medicine: To analyse performance, technique and possible risk factors for injuries.

The results of the gait analysis help our neuro-orthopaedic surgeons, physiotherapists and other colleagues to develop a customised therapy to improve mobility, to support the optimal rehabilitation process after surgery, to prevent re-injury and to measure the results of the treatment (outcome evaluation).

• A movement analysis is painless
• You may take a break during the walking sections
• Relatives and/or therapists may of course be present
• A movement analysis normally takes 2-2.5 hours
• The skin rarely reddens where the electrodes and markers are attached
• The examination is carried out in short, tight-fitting trousers and a top or bikini, etc., as the electrodes are attached to the skin
• Please bring orthoses with suitable shoes and all walking aids

In children and adults with congenital or acquired changes to the spine, e.g. scoliosis, an extended examination may be necessary. Additional functional measurements provide information about the interaction of muscles, tendons and bones. The visualisation of movement makes it possible to create individual therapy plans to alleviate pain, improve mobility and stabilise the spine.

Additions

To enable an exact assessment of the spine, the normal 3D movement analysis is extended. This allows the movements and postures of the spine to be assessed. Electromyography (EMG), i.e. measuring the electrical activity of the muscles during movement, also provides data for a comprehensive analysis.

Due to the risk of increasing rotation and lateral curvature (scoliosis), the spine must be checked regularly. In this way, incorrect posture can be detected and treated and the risk of long-term pain and worsening disc pathology can be prevented. Depending on the severity of the curvature, treatment can range from brace treatment to straightening surgery.

The pressure progression, pressure distribution and deformation in the foot during standing or walking are analysed.

Foot pressure measurement

This examination is usually carried out using special sensors or pressure plates that measure the forces acting on different areas of the foot.

Oxford Foot Model (OFM)

In children and adults with congenital or acquired foot anomalies, movements of the foot are specifically analysed using the Oxford Foot Model (OFM). For this purpose, additional markers are attached to the foot to define individual foot sections (hindfoot, midfoot, forefoot). In addition, the pressure of the soles of the feet on the ground is recorded using pressure measurement plates. The OFM ensures greater accuracy and provides additional data compared to the standard procedure. The aim is to determine the effects of the foot anomaly on the gait pattern and to be able to determine the best possible therapeutic approach. The results of these measurements help our doctors and therapists to draw up individual treatment plans, for example for orthopaedic insoles, physiotherapy or surgical interventions.

Generally healthy children and adults who experience pain and discomfort as a result of sporting activities can have a functional examination carried out at the UKBB.

Athletes can learn more about their typical movement sequences by analysing their movements. This enables them to improve their posture, technique, mobility or strength and thus prevent injuries and consequential damage. It is also possible to check whether sufficient stability has been built up after a knee operation, for example, to return to sporting activity. The athletes perform additional exercises such as squats and jumps. The measurement results allow far-reaching conclusions to be drawn about the strain on the joints and their position.

Leg axis determination with EOS is an imaging examination that is primarily used in orthopaedics to analyse the position of the leg axes and the spine. EOS stands for "energy-optimised X-ray systems" and is a procedure that enables low-radiation 2D and 3D imaging.

The patient stands in a special position while precise, high-resolution images are taken of them. These images help to assess the anatomical structures and the alignment of the joints, especially the knee, hip and spine. It is essential to stand as still as possible during the measurement. Handholds make it easier to stand.

The results of this analysis are important for the diagnosis and planning of treatments, such as surgical interventions or orthotic adjustments, and are interpreted together with the movement analysis data to create personalised models of muscle strength and joint loading.