An automated method for analysis of gait data to aid clinical interpretation

Abstract

Gait analysis is often defined as the study of human walking; typically involving computerised and instrumented measurement of the movement patterns that make up walking. It is gaining acceptance as a clinical tool for the investigation of complex gait disorders to inform treatment plans. However, although the raw results can be printed in minutes, the clinical team may spend many hours in interpreting the data. For this reason, the focus in this project is in developing a technique for the analysis of gait data to aid clinical interpretation. A software package will be developed based on automating the Rancho Observational Gait Analysis approach. An automated method will be used to denote gait deviations. Causes related to deviations will be listed and the results of additional tests that may help prove or refute any cause will also be included. A report will then be generated that includes all the above. The software will be tested with data from a group of patients to check its efficiency.