Gait & Motion Analysis
- About Us
- Our Care
- Our Team
- Your Visit
- Research
Delaware Valley鈥檚 First Accredited Gait & Motion Analysis Laboratory for Kids
At 91制片厂在线看 Children鈥檚, we specialize in improving how children walk, run, and move. Each child鈥檚 walking pattern, or 鈥済ait鈥 is unique. Gait can be impacted by many factors, like foot shape, muscle strength, and joint flexibility. Sometimes leg braces, physical therapy, or even orthopedic surgery can help a child walk better.
To determine the best treatment options for your child, we perform gait and motion analysis at our state-of-the-art lab at听91制片厂在线看 Children鈥檚 Hospital, Delaware. We create a highly detailed 3D computer model of how your child moves. With this analysis, advanced imaging and other tests, we can recommend the most effective, personalized treatment options.
The Gait & Motion Analysis Laboratory is part of a renowned pediatric orthopedic center and is recognized globally for pioneering research and care for kids with complex orthopedic and neuromuscular conditions. In fact, our lab was the first pediatric gait lab of its kind accredited by the , and today we鈥檙e one of about 20 accredited labs in the nation.
In addition to analyzing gait, we also perform motion analysis and functional assessment of the hands and arms.
World-Class Expertise in Pediatric Mobility
Our Delaware Valley pediatric Gait & Motion Analysis Laboratory is highly advanced and led by experts with vast experience. We provide the latest advancements in pediatric gait and motion assessment.
1993
Year we began our gait and motion analysis lab
1 of 20听
CMLA accredited labs worldwide
12+听听听听听听
Gait and motion analysis experts on the team
800+
Patients seen annually
Our lab is led by听renowned orthopedic surgeons, biomedical engineers,听and physical therapists听who are experts in their fields.听
We provide听clinical and research leadership in gait and motion analysis听鈥 and the specialties it supports.
We鈥檙e听involved in research and serve as leaders in professional organizations, setting the standard for kids everywhere.听
We use the latest technology, like听high-speed motion capture cameras and force plate analysis.听
We鈥檙e听recognized for care for complex conditions听like cerebral palsy, limb length differences, and rare genetic disorders.
Eloise鈥檚 Story
Eloise, a dynamic and determined young girl, received a diagnosis of cerebral palsy just before her second birthday. Since then, she has embraced activities like horseback riding and swimming. See how her team, using gait and motion analysis, helped her get the right diagnosis, and the best possible care.
What to Expect at the Gait & Motion Analysis Laboratory
In this video, we walk you through what to expect during your child's visit. You'll see our friendly team in action, get a glimpse of our advanced technology, and learn how we make the experience fun and comfortable for kids of all ages. Whether your child is here for a full gait analysis, a specialized evaluation, or a follow-up visit, this video will help you and your child feel prepared and at ease.
"Chris Church did an outstanding job with our son during the gait analysis. We are looking forward to getting these results to aid us in directing future care."
"Daveda Taylor was just wonderful. She took her time, made adjustments when necessary, sang with our daughter, and was very patient."
"Faithe is an asset to the team here. She is friendly, thorough, patient, kind, and obviously skilled in her expertise."
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State-of-the-Art Technology, Personalized Approach
The type of evaluation performed depends on your child鈥檚 condition and symptoms. The evaluations we offer include:
- Full gait analysis, involving a complete assessment of your child鈥檚 walking pattern using 3D motion capture, force plates, and muscle activity sensors.
- Limited gait/foot evaluation, focusing on how your child鈥檚 foot and ankle work while walking using pressure-sensitive mats and video analysis.
- Upper extremity evaluation, performing motion analysis and functional assessment of the arms and hands using motion capture technology.
- Video visit, involving a brief, video-only assessment of your child's walking pattern for tracking progress over time.
- StepWatch visit, monitoring functional activity using an FDA-approved device to assess walking activity in the natural environment.
- Sit to stand evaluation, assessing your child's functional mobility using 3D motion capture and force plates.
Testing Procedures We Offer
Gait and motion analysis may involve a variety of testing procedures. We account for a child鈥檚 age, diagnosis, level of functional independence, and ability to follow directions when choosing tests. Learn more about our tests and how they鈥檙e performed during your child's evaluation.
Video & Photo Analysis
We record your child walking in bare feet and with braces/orthotics, and using assistive devices as needed. These videos create a visual record of your child's gait pattern over time. We also take photos of your child's posture, legs, and feet to track changes.
Foot Pressure Measurement
Your child will walk across a special mat that measures pressure on different parts of the foot. This helps us understand how your child's weight is distributed when walking, which can show issues with foot positioning or balance.
Comprehensive Physical Exam
Our physical therapist will conduct a detailed exam, checking your child's joint flexibility, muscle strength, muscle tone, and motor control. We'll also assess your child's balance using standardized tests. This helps us understand your child's overall physical capabilities.
3D Movement Analysis
Using 12 high-speed cameras, we create a 3D model of your child's body as they walk. This advanced technology allows us to precisely measure how each joint moves. Special force plates in the floor measure the power generated with each step. After the test, your child can see their 3D model on a TV screen.
Muscle Activity Measurement
We place small EMG sensors on your child's skin to measure muscle activity during walking. This helps us understand which muscles are working and when.
Metabolic Testing
Your child will wear a small mask that measures the air they breathe out while resting and moving. This tells us how much energy your child uses when walking.
At-Home Activity Monitoring
We provide a small, wearable device called a StepWatch for your child to use at home. This tracks how much your child walks over a week, which is especially useful before and after surgery. For children recovering from surgery, we recommend periodic follow-up visits to track progress.
Conditions We See
As children grow, gait problems can get worse because of changes in their bones or severe tightening in their muscles. Kids who have trouble walking, and may benefit from gait analysis, may have conditions such as:
Related Programs & Specialties
Convenient Follow-Up Appointments by Video
Our orthopedic doctors offer follow-up appointments to review your child's gait results through scheduled, live video visits. You can avoid waiting rooms and save travel time. Ask your doctor if this is an option for your family.
Meet Your Gait Lab Team
The Gait & Motion Analysis Laboratory is staffed by professionals who are widely respected in their fields. In addition to clinical care, our experts participate in research activities and serve as thought leaders in organizations like the Gait & Clinical Movement Analysis Society (GCMAS) and others.听
During the gait and motion analysis visit, your child will see:
- Biomechanist,听who runs the computer technology, collects the data, and processes it for the report.
- Physical therapist, who supervises and guides you through the evaluations and educates your family.
While not present during the evaulation, our orthopedic surgeon reviews the data with the physical therapist and recommends treatment options.听
Our Leadership
Wade Shrader, MD
Medical Director
Gait & Motion Analysis Lab
Dr. Shrader is a board-certified, fellowship-trained pediatric orthopedic surgeon. He is currently on the Board of Directors and is the past president of the American Academy of Cerebral Palsy and Development Medicine. He is also on the Board of Directors of the Gait and Clinical Motion Analysis Society. He is a professor of orthopedic surgery and pediatrics at Thomas Jefferson University and the Deputy Editor of Pediatrics for the Journal of the AAOs and is the Deputy Editor for Neuromuscular for JPOSNA. He focuses his practice on the treatment of children with cerebral palsy and similar developmental disability.
Our Team
Our specialists are at the forefront of their fields. They work tirelessly to improve the quality of life for children and teens of all abilities.
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Freeman Miller, MD
Orthopedics -
Arianna Trionfo, MD
Orthopedics
Built Upon a Legacy of Excellence听
Freeman Miller, MD
Past Medical Director
Orthopedic Surgeon (Retired)
Dr. Miller鈥檚 expertise and innovative approach to the care of the complex child with CP lead him to open one of the first pediatric accredited gait labs in the country. He previously served as the medical director for the Gait & Motion Analysis Laboratory and is recognized for his expertise, particularly for cerebral palsy, around the world. Now retired, Dr. Miller continues to be an integral part of the lab, consulting on research and patient care.
Dr. Miller is currently emeritus staff member with a focus on clinical gait analysis and research for the department of orthopedics. His past academic appointments include serving as an assistant professor of orthopedic surgery at Jefferson Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University, and as both associate research professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering and adjunct associate professor in the Department of Physical Education at the University of Delaware.
Dr. Miller earned his medical degree at the University of Colorado School of Medicine and completed his surgical training at the University of Colorado Medical Center. He completed his residency in orthopedics at the University of Virginia Medical Center followed by a fellowship in pediatric orthopedics at the Hospital for Sick Children in Ontario. He is a member of numerous professional societies and founded and is a past president of the Commission for Motion Laboratory Accreditation.
Dr. Miller has authored more than 100 research publications in peer-reviewed journals. He has served as past president of the Gait & Clinical Movement Analysis Society and is an editorial board member of Gait and Posture, the Journal of Children鈥檚 Orthopaedics and the Journal of Pediatric Rehabilitation. His distinctions include being listed in Best Doctors in America and听U.S. News & World Report听Top Docs, as well as receiving a lifetime achievement award for the treatment of cerebral palsy from the Royal College of Surgeons of Scotland听and the American Academy of Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gait & Motion Analysis
To help you prepare for your child's visit, our team compiled answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.
Do I need a referral for gait and motion analysis?
A referral from your child鈥檚 specialist is required for each visit.
Does insurance cover gait and motion analysis?
Insurance benefits vary, so it鈥檚 important to check with your insurance provider.
What ages do you work with?
We provide gait analysis services for children from 2 to 20 years old.
Where is the gait lab and how do we check in?
Gait and motion analysis is performed at 91制片厂在线看 Children鈥檚 Hospital, Delaware.
We ask that you arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment and check in with the gait lab front desk. 听
The lab is located on the ground floor of the hospital. When you get there, you will complete an electronic questionnaire and history.听
What should my child wear for the appointment?
Because we need to see both legs, both arms, both shoulders, and part of the back, please have your child bring or wear one of the following:
- Tank top and shorts
- One-piece bathing suit
- Leotard
Please note, boys will need to remove their shirts for accuracy of testing.
What if my child uses a mobility aid or wears orthotics?
Please bring any mobility aids, orthotics, or special shoes your child uses. We want to see how they move both with and without these aids.
How can I prepare my child for the appointment?
You can explain to your child that they'll be walking, running, and playing while special cameras watch how they move. Assure them that the tests don't hurt and that you'll be with them the whole time. Refrain from putting lotions on the skin for 24 hours prior to your appointment to ensure our sensors stick to the skin.
You can watch this video for more about what to expect.
Is gait or motion analysis painful?
We use cameras, sensors on the skin, and special mats to walk on. Some children experience brief discomfort with removal of the skin sensors, similar to removing a bandaid.
How long does an appointment last?
Appointments can range from 15 minutes for a simple video analysis to up to three hours for a full gait analysis. We'll let you know how long it will take when you schedule the appointment.
How soon will we get the results?
We typically need four to six weeks to analyze the data and prepare a report. You will receive the results in 91制片厂在线看 Children's MyChart and your referring physician will also receive the results. You should schedule a follow-up appointment to go over results with your physician.
How often does my child need to visit the gait lab?
The frequency depends on your child's condition and treatment plan. Your doctor will recommend a schedule.
Resources for You
We've compiled useful information and resources for families:
听the musculoskeletal system from the experts at 91制片厂在线看 KidsHealth庐.
听from TechOWL, a service from the Institute on Disabilities at Temple University.
听to educate, advocate, and celebrate inclusive communities.听
Kid-approved and highly recommended toys for kids.
This is a switch used to access many of the items listed below.
A powerlink enables you to make any plug-in item switch accessible. For instance, lights, music, fan, blender, etc. You can often find Powerlinks on Ebay for a much lower price.
Step by Step
A step-by-step is a recordable single-button communication device. We use these at HMS to share news, participate in shared reading, play lines of a song or nursey rhyme, do jobs, etc.
Use a switch to blow bubbles.
Please note that weighted blankets should never exceed 10% of a person's body weight.
Battery Interrupter for Adapted Toys, Size"AA" or"AAA"
This can be used to switch adapted battery-operated toys!
This plugs into a USB on a computer and then a switch can be used to access the computer. Works well with HelpKidzLearn, turning on and off YouTube videos, working on communication etc.
This can be plugged into the powerlink to make a switch-accessible activity. Students love this disco ball which has lights and spins.
User can lay flat or rope can be adjusted to use at any degree of recline.
This bubble machine plugs in and has a remote. You can plug it into a powerlink to make it switch accessible.
Can be used as a lightbox.听
Awesome lights, can be plugged into a powerlink to make switch accessible.
The button to eject the cards is easy to access and is a fun way to be involved!
Loved being able to play in the sink with running water because the kitchen sink is hard to access! The pump can also be adapted using a battery interrupter to make the sink switch accessible!
Great alternative to using markers! Sprayer is easily engaged with 2 different grips and the on/off button is large and easily pressed.
Water beads expand in water and are fun to play with. There are also water bead mats and mazes which keep the water beads contained.
Makes playing cards much easier!
A furry toy that purrs and works to support the coregulation of breathing and heart rate. Good for anxiety or stress.
Tie-dye without the mess! Crank handle is easy to spin.
Plays music using 3d characters.听
Easy to activate. Several different toy options
Musical Instruments
So much fun for play with siblings! Can use it in any seating option and great to get in some PT stretching and fun activity!
These are great headphones because the don鈥檛 have to go in users ear. Uses bone conduction so they test in front of the ear then go behind head. Not noise cancelling so can use indoors but still engage with surroundings
This has been awesome for hydration independence! Attaches to back of wheel chair and straw is easily accessible whenever needed.
This umbrella can attach to a wheelchair for protection from rain or sun.
Wearable Items
There are many different options for rain and winter ponchos that work well for wheelchair users. Some that families have reported working well included, but are not limited to:
Pediatric Gait & Motion Analysis Research
In addition to clinical care, the gait lab is involved in research to improve treatment for children here at 91制片厂在线看 and around the world. We focus on:
- The study of outcomes of surgeries and determining the best candidates for those surgeries.
- The study of which factors lead to the fastest and most optimal recovery after surgery.听
- The study of walking activity so we are not just focused on how your child walks at the hospital but what they do in the community.
- The study of long-term changes in walking including into adulthood, so we know that treatments are both effective now and in the future.