About appointments
A maximum of two patient evaluations are performed per
day Monday through Thursday, and no patient evaluations are performed on Fridays.
The hours of operation at the Motion Analysis Center are 7:00 a.m. to
4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Fridays.
A typical evaluation takes approximately 3 to 4 hours to complete. The patient needs to bring
their braces and assistive devices. The patient should wear a swimming suit (Shorts for
boys, bikini for girls) or underwear/T-shirt.
It is recommended that the patient be at least 38 inches tall, as the ability of the
cameras to resolve the coordinates of the markers decreases as the markers get
closer together. In addition, the patient should be at least 4 years old for
the reason stated above and also due to the need for cooperation during the evaluation.
Please note that kinematic data (joint motion data) on spina bifida patients
with a KAFO or twister cables is limited to documenting the movement
of the brace, not the joints within the brace, as markers are placed on the
twister cables and/or pelvic band.
All of the procedures are non-invasive, unless otherwise requested by the
attending physician (i.e., no fine wire electrodes unless specifically ordered
and arranged with the Motion Analysis Center). The components of a typical
evaluation include electromyography (10 muscles), joint motion measurements
(kinematics), force platform measurements (kinetics), and a physical therapy
evaluation (range of motion and manual muscle test).
In addition, the Motion Analysis Center also has the capability to perform a
foot pressure analysis. The total cost of the Gait Analysis Evaluation is
dependent upon whether a foot pressure analysis is performed and whether kinetic
data is obtained on the date of service (dependent upon patient's ambulatory
status and stride length). Please note that the child's foot must be the at
least 8 inches long to perform a foot pressure analysis. When dictating
orthopaedic notes for patients that have been referred for an evaluation, please
carbon copy the Motion Analysis Center, as this information is needed for the
evaluation. It usually takes 5 to 6 weeks for the referring physician to receive
the results from the evaluation, but special arrangements may be made in
emergency cases. Physicians, physical and occupational therapist, prosthetists,
and orthotists can use the detailed information to direct their treatment plans.
A physician referral is requested.
A prescription for gait analysis should be signed by the attending physician
and given to the parents so they can phone the Motion Analysis Center and
schedule an appointment.
Appointments are usually available within 2 to 3 weeks of contacting the
Motion Analysis Center. Motion Analysis Center specific prescription pads and
parent information sheets are available for those who request further
information about our services.
To refer a patient for a gait analysis, or to schedule an appointment, call
the Motion Analysis Center at 773.327.1936.