Gait Clinic
For more information see:
Biomechanics Laboratory web page.
Most people are familiar with the way in which computer animated creatures such as Gollum in the Lord of the Rings movies are created. We’ve also seen on television the technique of top sports people being analysed, whether it’s Tiger Woods’ golf swing, or Murali Muralitharin’s suspect bowling action. What they may not know is that the same technology can also be used to help children with cerebral palsy learn to walk better or an ergonomist analyse workplace demands.
The process of animating objects or analysing motion is based on capturing motion with multiple video cameras, recreating the movement in three dimensions, and then building a model of the action. Computer modelling can then be used to identify the contribution of individual muscles and bones in a person’s movement pattern.
Who can benefit from the Gait Laboratory?
The laboratory’s highly-trained staff utilise state-of-the-art technology in computerised motion capture and analysis. As part of its commitment to providing services for the general public and students alike, the School of Physiotherapy’s Gait Laboratory is now able to offer specialised motion capture and analysis services.
Because of the flexibility of the motion capture and analysis system, the Gait Laboratory can be used for a variety of tasks including:
- Clinical gait analysis, including pre/post surgical
assessment of:
- Cerebral palsy
- Prosthetic limb
- Diabetic gait
- Sports skill analysis
- Work task assessment
- Product testing
- Motion capture for computer animation
- 3D modelling & visualisation
What is available?
The Gait Laboratory features a 12-camera Motion Analysis Corporation system that can capture complex motion with extreme accuracy at up to 500 images per second. This is the animation industry’s premier passive (no wires attached to markers) 3D optical motion capture system. Its real-time capability allow the operator to see captured results at the same instant as the subject is performing a task.
The motion capture system can be integrated with force plates to record forces under the feet, and electromyography (muscle activity recording) to provide comprehensive analysis of any movement. Specific computer software for clinical gait analysis, or more generic motion analysis is available. In addition, sophisticated SIMM™ software visualises the relationships between external forces, muscle activity and the resulting body motion. It allows the contribution of individual muscles, ligaments and bones to be modelled and altered to predict the effect of these changes on the overall movement. The potential for pre-surgical assessment or sports skill analysis is immense.
The system also supports all of the major animation software packages including Alias’ Maya, Discreet’s 3ds max, Softimage’s XSI and 3D, Lightwave’s 3D, and Kaydara’s FiLMBOX.
How much does it cost?
The Gait Laboratory offers a very competitive pricing structure with discounted fees for students, staff and clinicians. Costs to external commercial users will depend on the complexity of the movement and the time required.
