1. What is a biomechanical gait analysis?
Scientific measures of how you walk and run are recorded using high speed cameras and specific software to measure your pattern of movement (you gait biomechanics).
2. What does the 3D GAIT system do?
The 3D GAIT system uses between 3 and 6 infrared high speed cameras each camera collects 200 frames of data every second and tracks the movement of 24 retroreflective markers placed on your pelvis, legs, and feet. In total, 36,000 frames of data are analysed and a 3-dimensional “stick-figure” is created of your biomechanical gait pattern by performing 6119 different calculations in 9.56 seconds. The end result is an individualized report pinpointing the root cause of your injury and what needs to be done to prevent and/or rehabilitate from the injury.
3. What does the KinetiGait system do?
The KinetiGait system uses a single LiDAR camera to measure your 3-dimensional (3D) biomechanical gait pattern with millimeter accuracy based on laser scanning technology. This gait analysis system compares your gait pattern against subject-specific norms and provides a scientific analysis of how your gait pattern varies. We’re proud that this technology received 2nd place in the 2016 TEC Edmonton Venture Prize for top health technology.
4. What do I need to operate KinetiGait ?
5. What is the difference between 3D GAIT and KinetiGait ?
3D GAIT uses multiple cameras and measures lower extremity joint angle (ankle, knee, hip) motion. Scientific measures such as foot pronation, knee rotation, and pelvic drop are provided. The KinetiGait system measures the overall gait pattern of your entire body. This overall gait pattern is compared to a “scientific norm,” which is a composite average of all runners in the database.
6. How much does a gait analysis cost?
Please visit our clinic map to find a Clinic in your area. They will be provide the information on the cost for this service.
7. Is a gait analysis covered by health care?
Several insurance companies will reimburse for a gait analysis. Please check with your insurance provider.
8. What is the research behind a 3-dimensional gait analysis?
Dr. Ferber and his team have spent the past 10 years researching and developing this technology and over 150 peer-reviewed scientific papers form the foundation for this approach to gait analysis. The research behind 3D GAIT and KinetiGait gait analysis systems has been funded by various agencies such as the National Science and Education Research Council (NSERC), Alberta Innovates Technology Futures (AITF), and the National Research Council of Canada. To read more about this research click here.
9. What are the differences between a 2D and a 3D gait analysis?
A 2-dimensional (2D) gait analysis uses a single video camera. The user then subjectively decides which frame of data to analyse, subjectively determines the appropriate joint landmarks (e.g. ankle and knee joint centres) and software measures the angle. Then, the user must make a subjective decision regarding whether the joint angle is within normal limits, excessive or reduced. However, research dating back to 1995 shows that the measures obtained from a 2D analysis have errors between 30% and 300% when compared to the gold standard: a 3-dimensional (3D) gait analysis.
The most powerful aspect of both the 3D GAIT and KinetiGait system are that your data are compared to the world’s largest database of walking and running biomechanics. No other gait analysis system in the world has these capabilities.
10. How will a gait analysis help me?
The information gained from a scientific gait analysis can be used to (1) prevent injuries, (2) determine the root cause of your injury and thereby determine the optimal treatment protocol, and/or (3) improve your overall performance.
11. What resources are available to learn more about the science behind a gait analysis?
Dr. Ferber is internationally recognized as a leader in clinical gait biomechanics research and development of optimal treatment protocols for walkers and runners. You can learn more about current research projects being conducted in Dr. Ferber’s clinical gait lab at the University of Calgary.
Dr. Ferber has also “written the book” on clinical gait analysis with a textbook entitled “Running Mechanics and Gait Analysis.” Referencing over 250 peer-reviewed scientific manuscripts, this textbook is the most comprehensive review of the research and clinical concepts related to gait and injury analysis. You can purchase this book in soft cover or as an e-book here.
You can also listen to a webinar about Dr. Ferber’s research and gait analysis here.