History and Physical Examination Components of Gait Analysis

Abstract

Diagnostic clinical gait analysis is a multimodality approach to evaluating the abnormal gait of children especially those with cerebral palsy (CP). Gait analysis includes imaging with video. Measurements of three-dimensional motion using multiple cameras for kinematic analysis and kinetic evaluation assess forces by using force plates. Muscle activity is recorded using electromyography (EMG). Assessment of the foot posture and its floor contact uses a pressure-sensitive mat and is called pedobarography. Avery important aspect of the gait analysis is a structured history and physical examination. This aspect of the data collection requires well-defined elements that are consistently collected with defined reliability and accuracy. A reliable and accurate interpretation of the data analysis cannot be performed unless there is an accurate and reliable history and physical examination. The goal of this chapter is to define the history and physical examination that is typically performed as part of a diagnostic clinical gait analysis for individuals with CP.