Gait analysis

Oxford Gait Laboratory is equipped with: 

  • 16 Motion-Capture Cameras 
  • Force Plates 
  • Pressure Plate
  • Electromyography System

To prepare for gait analysis, we stick small, reflective spheres to the lower body, which allow the cameras to record the way a person walks. 

From this we can determine:

  • movement pattern of legs and feet
  • forces acting at the joints
  • activity of the muscles during walking
  • loading of the feet during walking.

This allows us to:

  • accurately measure abnormalities in walking patterns
  • identify the cause of walking difficulties
  • assist clinical decisions about treatment, therapy and orthotics (e.g. splints)
  • evaluate the outcome of treatment, so we can continually assess and improve treatment.

Common reasons for referral

We accept referrals from a wide range of gait-related conditions. While these are the common presentations we assess, this is not exhaustive.

If you are unsure whether a patient would benefit from gait analysis, we are happy to advise.

Cerebral palsy

  • Baseline assessment
  • Monitoring changes in gait during growth
  • Assessment of potential deterioration to gait
  • Pre-operative assessment
  • Post-operative assessment (6-, 12- and 24-months)
  • Questions related to management with orthosis or botulinum toxin

Foot deformities (e.g. clubfoot, idiopathic toe walker)

  • Assessment when considering surgical intervention
  • If symptomatic, to determine the source of pain

Lower limb abnormalities

  • analysis of abnormal joint loading
  • investigation into in-toeing or out-toeing
  • monitoring progression of biomechanical changes over time

Neurological conditions

When considering intervention, e.g. botulinum toxin or other spasticity management strategies

Appropriate referral criteria

To ensure accurate and meaningful results from gait analysis, patients should be able to:

  • walk at least 30 metres, with or without walking aids
  • walk in a relatively straight line
  • understand and follow instructions.

Children should be at least four years old and demonstrate a consistent walking pattern.