Gait Analysis and Equipment Selection Sally Mallory, PT, ATP, CPST
[email protected] Course Outline Importance of independent mobility Factors impacting functional mobility Analysis of gait cycle Phases of gait Shank & thigh kinematics Considerations for equipment selection BWSTT treadmill training vs ground training Ambulation equipment types Gait analysis with instrumentation & case study 3 During Ambulation • The whole body is active • Bones, joints and muscles, nerves, senses, heart and lungs work together and movements are coordinated. • To be able to walk, head and trunk control together with balance and active use of arms and legs are needed. 4 Importance of Independent Mobility • Increases level of engagement in educational and recreational activities • Promotes problem solving skills • Enhances quality of interactive behavior with other children, adults • Increases exploration of environment • Promotes cognitive, perceptual and visual spatial skills by learning to navigate around obstacles, avoid stairs or other drop offs • Promotes healthy functioning of physiological systems (heart, lungs, GI, bladder, bones) • Increases self confidence • Reduces learned helplessness 5 Importance of Early Mobility • Immobility associated with “Learned Helplessness” • Established by 4 years of age in children without functional mobility (Butler, 1991; Safford & Arbitman, 1975, Lewis & Goldberg ,1969) • Decreased curiosity & initiative • Poor academic achievement • Poor social interaction skills (Kohn,1 977) • Passive, dependent behavior