Information
The service collects and analyses gait data for adults and children with complex walking problems. This is used in planning patient management and in evaluating outcomes of treatment. Gait analysis can also assist with potential diagnosis, e.g. differentiating between toe walkers and Diplegic CP or advise on further tests required.
Types of data that are collected
- Sagittal and coronal plane video
- Kinetic and kinematic data (collected via a 3D motion capture system and force plates)
- Electromyography data
- A detailed physical examination of the lower limbs including ranges of motion, muscle strength, bony torsions, posture and balance etc.
Reporting process:
- Data interpretation and biomechanical analysis
- Summary of gait problems
- Treatment recommendations
After the gait analysis team has analysed all the collected data it is presented at a multi-disciplinary meeting. At this meeting treatment recommendations will be discussed and determined by relevant professionals e.g. Orthopaedic Surgeon, Physiotherapist, Orthotist. Visitors may join the MDT meeting via a Teams link. A report is sent to the referrer.
Further information is available on the SMART Services website at https://www.smart.scot.nhs.uk/service/gait-lab/.
M.A & M.D 28-08-24
We can accept a referral if:
- It is for patients with complex neuromuscular or orthopaedic disorders for example cerebral palsy, spina bifida, congenital talipes equino varus.
- The referral question is one that can be answered by and requires the use of instrumented gait analysis (i.e. the use of 3D motion capture, force plate, and/or electromyography equipment).
- Sufficient patient information is provided e.g. diagnosis, current pathology/disability and any relevant interventions.
- The patient is able to walk with or without assistance for a minimum of 10 metres.
- The patient is at least 3 years of age and has the ability to co-operate with the gait analysis process (NB patients need to be comfortable in a state of undress and assessments are usually at least 2 hours long).
For obese patients (BMI > 40) we might not be able to do a full analysis.
It is preferable if patients have at least had a physiotherapy assessment before being referred for gait analysis.
Who can refer:
A referral needs to be submitted either through a Hospital Consultant, GP, Physiotherapist or other health and social care professional who is involved in the person’s care.
Who to refer:
Patients with complex neuromuscular or orthopaedic disorders who require complex analysis to determine the underlying causes and related gait treatment recommendations. Please also see the guidelines above.
Who not to refer:
Anyone whose gait does not require complex analysis e.g. a simple video analysis might be sufficient to determine appropriate gait treatment recommendations. Please also see the guidelines above.
How to refer:
Please use link to webpage to download the most up to date version of the referral form. If you have any queries whether a patient is suitable for gait analysis please email us at loth.physiogaitlab@nhs.scot.
SMART Services – Gait Lab: https://www.smart.scot.nhs.uk/service/gait-lab.
NB Clinical Gait Analysis Service Referral Form is available to download from the above webpage. Clinical Movement Analysis Society: https://cmasuki.org/
