Gait analysis can be divided into temporal-spatial and kinematic, kinetic, and EMG analyses. Modern-day gait analysis quantitatively analyzes gait with a sophisticated computerized video apparatus that measures and digitally records the three-dimensional location of individual markers throughout the gait cycle. The temporal-spatial relationship recorded provides objective quantification of the overall pattern.
Kinematics assesses joint range of motion during gait. Notably, however, they provide only relative joint angle information, not absolute positions of each joint segment. Kinetics calculates the joint power (force) associated with gait.
Dynamic electromyography measures the timing and magnitude of muscle activity during walking with either surface electrodes or fine wires inserted into muscles. These tools provide additional specific insights into gait pathology.
Energy utilization can be measured by oxygen utilization, oxygen cost and heart rate monitoring.
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