Gait analysis is a diagnostic method that is extremely helpful in treatment when performed and interpreted by specialist doctors or physiotherapists. It provides significant benefits during the treatment process, especially in cerebral palsy, Parkinson's patients, those who are new to sports, those who have sports injuries, and those who use prosthesis.
Gait analysis includes all studies carried out to determine how walking is. Gait analysis consists of three stages. First, a physical examination of the patient is performed. Then the patient is observed by the specialist while walking. Then, the patient's walking, body movements, and muscle condition are recorded with the help of various devices. In this way, walking is evaluated objectively by the expert. However, these two stages alone are not sufficient for gait analysis. A third stage is also required for gait analysis to provide a fully accurate result. At this stage, certain points are marked on the patient's body. The data obtained with the help of sign reflectors are transferred to the computer.
In our country, analysis is also carried out only by videotaping the walk. However, it should be noted that gait analysis consisting of examination and video recording does not give accurate results. When the patient's condition is revealed with numerical data, it becomes easier to re-evaluate walking at regular intervals and monitor treatment. However, it is essential that these numerical data be evaluated in competent hands. However, when evaluated by physicians who are experts in gait analysis, it is a diagnostic method that contains very important details.
Who Should Have Gait Analysis?
Gait analysis can be applied to patients of all ages, starting from the age of 4. applicable. It is important for the patient to be able to walk alone to make a diagnosis. For this reason, it is not appropriate to perform gait analysis on children before the age of 4.
Gait analysis is especially applied to children with cerebral palsy, patients with movement disorders, especially Parkinson's, and people using prosthesis. Especially for amputees, gait analysis is performed before prosthesis. After the prosthesis is installed, the treatment is repeated for control purposes.
According to the results obtained by gait analysis, which is an effective method in determining the treatment protocol in children with cerebral palsy, Various treatments are applied, including surgery. Gait analysis is repeated preferably after 6 months, but at the earliest after 3 months. Treatment is evaluated according to this result.
Walk Analysis for Athletes
Walk analysis is also an examination used for people who do or plan to do active sports. In childhood, gait analysis is used to determine which branch of sport the child's body structure is more suitable for.
For people who actively engage in sports, gait analysis is also performed in order to accurately determine the results of the treatments applied after injuries. It is especially effective in determining when athletes who have undergone surgery can return to competitions.
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