The CU Orthopaedics in affiliation with The Children’s Hospital
(TCH), is internationally recognized for its orthopaedic surgeons
who together provide medical and surgical services. The Center
for Gait and Movement Analysis, located at The Children’s
Hospital, is available to University of Colorado Hospital patients.
The Center for Gait and Movement Analysis (CGMA) combines state-of-the-art
computer and video technology with a highly trained multi-disciplinary
team to provide comprehensive gait and movement analysis for patients
with neuromuscular disorders.
CGMA is located in a custom-designed room much like a movie studio
which has a wide variety of computer and video technology available
to assess both the gross and subtle deviations in human movement.
CGMA staff are responsible for conducting these tests, processing
the data, and creating and analyzing reports that are reviewed
and interpreted by the Medical Directors.
Treatment recommendations are then made following a team review
where all information collected is interpreted within the context
of the patient and family’s functional goals. This report
is stored in a database so that if and when the patient returns
for post-treatment assessment, pre and post comparisons are readily
available in the new report.
A gait or movement analysis at CGMA may include 5 primary components:
Observational Movement Analysis using Biplanar
Video
Computerized motion analysis is a multifaceted, multidisciplinary
approach for evaluating children with complex movement problems
seen at The Children’s Hospital Rehab Outpatient Clinics,
Outreach Programs, or by pediatric specialists in the region.
State-of-the-art equipment provides video, dynamic joint angles,
joint loads, electromyography, and foot pressure information used
to enhance the clinical decision making and functional outcomes
for children with complex movement problems that cannot be adequately
assessed with the human eye.
A team of highly professional staff consisting of two medical
directors, a PhD-trained lab director, full-time physical therapist,
and a kinesiologist operate the lab. All have advanced degrees
related to biomechanics, motion analysis, or physical therapy
certification and several years of experience and training in
a motion lab setting.
