Role and function of gait analyzer
1. Introduction
Gait analyzer (Gait Analysis System) is a professional device used to evaluate human gait characteristics. It is widely used in clinical rehabilitation, sports science, orthopedic medicine and biomechanics research. Through high-precision measurement technology, gait analyzer can capture key motion parameters when walking or running, analyze individual gait patterns, help diagnose gait abnormalities, optimize sports performance, evaluate rehabilitation progress, and provide scientific basis for orthopedic and rehabilitation treatment.
2. Role of gait analyzer
The core role of gait analyzer is to quantitatively analyze the dynamic motion parameters of the human body when walking or running, and provide data support for medical diagnosis, sports performance optimization and rehabilitation evaluation. The main functions include:
(1) Gait abnormality assessment and disease diagnosis
Neurological disease detection: Gait abnormality may be a manifestation of neurological diseases (such as Parkinson’s disease, sequelae of stroke, cerebral palsy, etc.). Gait analyzer can quantify gait characteristics to assist doctors in diagnosis and formulation of rehabilitation plans.
Bone and joint disease assessment: used to assess the impact of knee arthritis, hip dysplasia, flat feet, high arches and other diseases on gait, and help formulate orthopedic or surgical treatment plans.
Diabetic foot risk assessment: Gait analysis can be used to identify abnormal gait pressure distribution and stride length changes, help predict the risk of diabetic foot ulcers, and guide preventive intervention measures.
(2) Sports performance optimization
Stride and cadence optimization: help athletes analyze key sports parameters such as stride length, cadence, and contact time to optimize gait and improve sports efficiency.
Running and jumping technique analysis: quantify gait symmetry and plantar force during running to reduce energy loss and improve sports performance.
Sports injury prevention: identify abnormal landing methods and joint loads, reduce the risk of sports injuries, and guide personalized training plans.
(3) Rehabilitation assessment and treatment monitoring
Postoperative gait recovery monitoring: used to evaluate gait changes after knee replacement, hip replacement, and ankle surgery to ensure that the rehabilitation process meets expectations.
Optimization of walking assistive devices: Gait analysis data can be used to evaluate the adaptation effect of assistive devices such as orthopedic shoes, orthopedic insoles, walkers, prostheses, etc.
Evaluation of rehabilitation training effect: Monitor gait changes before and after rehabilitation training, quantify rehabilitation effects, and adjust training plans.
(4) Shoe design and personalized orthopedics
Shoe cushioning performance test: Evaluate the cushioning effect of shoes on plantar pressure to optimize the design of sports shoes and orthopedic shoes.
Personalized orthopedic program formulation: Combine gait data to customize orthopedic insoles and orthopedic shoes for individuals to improve abnormal gait and improve walking comfort.
3. Core functions of gait analyzer
The gait analyzer uses a variety of advanced sensing technologies, combined with a computer analysis system, to provide accurate gait measurement and data analysis. Its main functions include:
(1) Dynamic gait data acquisition
The gait analyzer can record key motion parameters of an individual when walking or running, including:
Step length: The length of a single step, reflecting the gait rhythm.
Walking Speed: walking speed, related to energy consumption and athletic ability.
Cadence: number of steps per minute, affecting exercise efficiency.
Gait Symmetry: used to detect whether there is an imbalance in gait, such as asymmetric gait after surgery.
Contact Time: the contact time between the sole of the foot and the ground, affecting athletic performance and injury risk.
(2) Pressure distribution and biomechanical analysis
Plantar pressure distribution measurement: using the plantar pressure test module to evaluate the force conditions in various areas of the sole, identify high-pressure areas, and optimize orthopedic shoes or rehabilitation training programs.
Joint angle and motion trajectory analysis: using motion capture technology to record the angle changes of the hip, knee, and ankle joints, and evaluate the range of joint motion and gait stability.
Impact force and load analysis: analyzing the force and impact force on the sole of the foot, evaluating the risk of sports injuries, and optimizing gait patterns.
(3) Three-dimensional gait analysis and visualization
Three-dimensional motion trajectory reconstruction: Using optical or inertial sensor technology to record the whole body motion trajectory to evaluate posture and gait coordination.
Video synchronization analysis: Combined with high-speed cameras, it provides intuitive gait analysis videos to assist in sports performance optimization and rehabilitation training.
Data visualization and report generation: Gait analysis software converts data into easy-to-read charts and reports for reference by clinicians, sports scientists or patients.
Gait analyzer is a powerful gait assessment and diagnosis tool that plays an important role in clinical medicine, sports science, rehabilitation engineering and footwear design.
Its core functions include gait parameter measurement, plantar pressure distribution analysis, motion trajectory tracking, three-dimensional gait modeling, etc., which provide scientific basis for disease diagnosis, sports optimization, postoperative rehabilitation and personalized orthopedics.
With the development of artificial intelligence, big data and sensor technology, gait analyzers will realize more intelligent gait assessment in the future, bringing more accurate gait detection and optimization solutions to the fields of medicine and sports.
