Clinical Motion Analysis
The Sports Medicine Biodynamics Center at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center provides a unique clinical service to the region -- a comprehensive computerized assessment of human motion. This state-of-the-art technology is used to measure joint motion and joint forces in patients with a variety of neuromuscular disorders such as cerebral palsy and spina bifida.
Gait Analysis
A gait analysis is the most widely-used human motion that is measured during a clinical motion analysis. A gait analysis is a noninvasive test that measures the patient's walking ability objectively through a 10-camera real-time Motion Analysis system and synchronized force platforms.
Patients are first evaluated by a physical therapist to document joint range of motion and muscle strength. Reflective markers are placed on specific anatomical landmarks on the patient's lower and upper extremities. The patient is instructed to walk along the 10-meter walkway while the cameras record the 3D coordinates of each marker. The information is recorded on a computer and processed by the staff.
Referring physicians can integrate a clinical motion analysis in their treatment decision-making process (surgical intervention, physical therapy, pharmacological intervention and orthotic recommendations).
A detailed report is sent to your physician that helps identify gait pathologies that are difficult for even the trained clinician to observe, especially when abnormalities occur simultaneously.
Is motion analysis covered by insurance?
Clinical Motion Analysis is covered by most third party payers. Cincinnati Children's can assist families interested in a Clinical Motion Analysis with alternative payment options.
How do I make an appointment?
A physician must first refer the patient for a Clinical Motion Analysis. The physician should contact the laboratory (513-636-4366) or send the referral form (155 kb) in portable document format (.pdf) to the Sports Medicine Biodynamics Center.
Once the referral form is received, a staff member will contact the family to set up an appointment.
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Sports Medicine . . . Just for Kids!
