Gait Lab Information

The gait laboratory in the UKBB offers the possibility of recording joint positions during walking by recording and calculating specific camera images. In addition to describing these joint angles, statements can be made about forces acting on the joints of the lower extremity (ankle, knee and hip joints) during walking with the help of measuring plates embedded in the floor of the examination room.

Surface electromyography is used to track the activation behavior of specific muscles during gait. This can be used to measure action potentials that occur when a muscle is activated. For foot-related questions, the pressure under the sole of the foot can also be measured.

Instrumental gait analysis makes it possible to record the patient's movements in figures and thus describe them precisely. The advantage of this procedure lies above all in the recording of non-visible functions (e.g. muscle contraction, muscle coordination, joint torque, etc.) as well as in the exact documentation of the gait, which is particularly important for the evaluation of therapy effects.

After a clinical examination by physiotherapists, several reflective beads are attached to the body. Surface electrodes are then attached to the skin over specific muscle groups (knee extensors, knee flexors, calf muscles, foot lifters) to measure muscle activity. The patients then have to walk a distance of 10 m several times. The patients are filmed with an array of 12 cameras. The results of the examinations are communicated to the patients in written and/or verbal form.

The only stress caused by gait analysis is the low physical stress of walking. In a few cases, skin redness was observed due to the adhesive tape used or due to the electrodes. A minimum of 2 hours should be allowed for the duration of a complete gait analysis.

The examination is performed in underwear, as the reflective beads are applied directly to the skin all over the body (see photo). You can also bring a bikini / swimsuit or short shorts.