Computerized Motion Analysis For Clinicians

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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 neuro-musculo-skeletal 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 the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, the clinical Computerized Motion Analysis focuses on the analysis of human walking (gait analysis) and upper extremity function during activities of daily living. The information that is recorded and can be analyzed includes movement pattern of the entire body, external forces applied to the body that may affect by the manner of walking, muscle activation patterns,  and  pressure distribution on the bottom of the foot while the person is standing or walking.

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Clinicians or health care professionals may make patient referrals directly to the Computerized Motion Analysis Lab. To make a referral directly please take the following steps:

• Download our CMA Referral Form
• Include the patient’s most recent clinical note, including any previous surgery and the treatments currently under consideration.
• Provide your patient with the CMA referral.
• Have the patient call us at 312-238-1447 to schedule an appointment.
• The CMA team will coordinate all scheduling and billing with your patient. You will also receive the final report from the motion analysis from within six weeks.

*Please Note: It is recommended that the patient be at least 4 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 devices decreases as the devices 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 KAFO or twister cables is limited to documenting the movement of the brace, not the joints within the brace, as reflective devices are placed on the twister cables and/or pelvic band.