What happens during an evaluation?

Gait analysis is performed by a multidisciplinary team which includes a biomedical engineer, kinesiologist, physical therapist and technician. A typical evaluation takes about two to three hours to perform. After a brief orientation, when the patient arrives at the center, the patient is instructed to walk across the main testing area's 12-meter walkway as digital video cameras record front/rear and side views.

Following the videotaping, the physical therapist evaluates the muscle strength and range of motion. Then, "muscle microphones" (electrodes) and specially designed reflectors are placed on the muscles and specific anatomical landmarks of the patient's legs and hips by the biomedical engineer or kinesiologist. The patient is then asked to walk across the room while specialized cameras track the motion of the markers and the computer monitors the muscle activity.