The Gait Analysis Laboratory at Nemours/A. I. duPont Hospital for Children was created in 1993 to provide the medical community with state-of-the art, computer assisted motion analysis of the complex gait cycle. Our gait lab is one of just 10 in the country with full accreditation and one of just two in the region based in a pediatric hospital. As an accredited lab, we have demonstrated the highest level of clinical and technical excellence in movement analysis. We can, therefore, offer our patients the best care possible when evaluating gait and motion challenges and help them reach their full potential. In 2000, the Oz mural was added to the gait lab to brighten up the lab and make it more appealing to both children and adults. 
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Learn more about the Nemours/A. I. duPont Hospital for Children Gait Lab and how it helps our patients and families by watching Cesia's Story. 
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What is Gait Analysis?

Several computers are used to collect three-dimensional video data and electromyographic data, perform kinematic and kinetic calculations, and process that information into a format for interpretation. Adhesive electrodes measure muscle activity and special reflective markers track joint movement. Foot pressure measurement and metabolic analysis are also available to enhance the assessment and provide a complete picture of the child's gait. This dynamic information, combined with a physical examination, visual observation, and the development history (provided by the family and medical record), gives greater insight into the causes of gait abnormalities.
There are several testing procedures that may be included in the gait analysis. The referring physician, orthopedic surgeon, physical therapists, and other members of the team consult to decide which tests are appropriate for each child. Many factors are considered in this decision including age, height, and weight, diagnosis, level of functional independence, and ability to cooperate for structured testing.

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Who Can Benefit From Gait Analysis?

In general, there are two groups that most commonly benefit from gait analysis.

• Many children with cerebral palsy (CP), spina bifida and other neuromuscular conditions have difficulty walking. Their gait, which includes walking, stepping or running, can be unsteady or awkward resulting in falls or even injuries. As children grow, gait problems can become worse due to changes in the bone or severe muscle tightening. When left untreated, gait problems can lead to pain, fatigue, weakness and/or loss of walking ability. Therefore, children with these conditions may benefit from gait analysis. 
• Children for whom surgery is an option will be referred for a gait analysis three to six months before surgery to examine the possible causes of their walking problems. Usually, four to six weeks after the testing, the surgeon will share the gait analysis results with the family and explain how this information will guide the surgical plan for the child.

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The Gait Analysis Team

The collection and interpretation of motion analysis data is a team effort. There are three types of health care providers involved:

• physical therapist – supervises and guides the child through all of the testing procedures and helps educate the family
• biomechanist – runs the computer technology, collects the data and processes it for the report
• orthopedic surgeon – leads the team in understanding the data and making treatment recommendations

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Types of Gait and Motion Analysis Visits

• Full Gait Analysis
• Limited/Foot Evaluation
• Upper Extremity Evaluation
• Running Evaluation
• Vestibular Video Analysis
• StepWatch Visit

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