The human gait is a bipedal movement characterized by a complex interplay of neuromuscular structures. A well-coordinated causality of muscle forces is essential in order to
When walking, only one foot touches the ground at a time. People are therefore in a latently unstable state during movement. Stability in difficult steps is not only ensured by the muscular activity of the lower extremities. Swaying movements of the arms and the activity of the main muscles also ensure our balance.
As the last link in the chain, the foot is of great importance in biomechanics. During a full gait cycle, it has to absorb, inhibit and convert forces.
A closer look at the gait cycle shows a double step. A distinction is made between the stance phase and the swing phase.
Interaction of muscles and joints during movement © peterschreiber.media | AdobeStock
In the broadest sense, movement analysis deals with the comparative study of the movements of people with different performance requirements or skill levels. Research in the world of work, for example, focuses on improving work movements in order to improve the efficiency of production processes.
In the medical sense, the doctor analyzes the movement of a patient with complaints during movement or after an injury. The aim is to be able to recommend measures to restore full mobility.
In sport, movement analysis is used to teach movements that go beyond everyday motor skills. The aim is for athletes to improve their movements in order to achieve peak individual performance.
Movement analysis is used in various professional fields:
Aftercare and therapy adaptation by a physiotherapist with experience in analysis are important components of the concept.
The biomechanical approach makes it possible to recognize abnormal loads on the joint structures and the resulting shear forces of muscle training and to initiate countermeasures.
The movement analysis is evaluated by an observer qualified in sports science. He or she interprets the results to determine whether the forces and energies occurring are on their physiological axes or deviate significantly from them (e.g. overpronation/supination).
Gait analysis helps orthopaedic surgeons to diagnose
Those affected often suffer from back pain or pain when walking. Imaging procedures such as X-rays or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) quickly reach their limits when investigating these movement-dependent pain sensations.
Back or joint pain does not always arise at the actual site of the pain. Movement analysis reveals connections between pain and the cause of the pain.
In addition to diagnosing existing illnesses and tracking progress, the analysis enables a preventative approach.
Based on the results of the movement analysis, the doctor recognizes functional disorders and, together with the physiotherapist, can optimally adapt the treatment to the patient.
In a joint clinic, doctors offer their patients a dynamic gait analysis. This helps to establish the connection between movement, posture and pain and to understand the cause of the pain.
The system has been clinically tested and its functionality has been scientifically proven. The examination is radiation-free and non-invasive. It therefore does not require surgery.
Using morphological observations (observation of movement), doctors examine the externally visible part of the movement. The invisible parts of the movement are, for example
For this purpose, the movement is divided and analyzed. Each movement can be divided into different movement sections, each of which fulfills an indispensable function for the success of the movement.
Acyclic movement: The movement goal is achieved through a single action. The sequence of movements is irreversible. There are preparatory, main and final phases.
Cyclical movement: The movement sequence is repeated several times. The final phase of the previous cycle coincides with the preparatory phase of the next. We therefore have a two-phase movement: the main phase - the intermediate phase.
Recording movement sequences © Microgen | AdobeStock
With the support of a qualified therapist, the patient gradually masters everyday movements. Starting with small and simple steps, the patient improves.
Experts refer to this as "progressive learning in parts". This also includes rehearsing certain movements and actions in different environmental conditions. In this way, the patient learns to adapt to changing everyday conditions.
Part of the therapy is the complete or partial support of the patient's movements by means of so-called facilitation. During this therapy, the pace, task and assistance change again and again.
As the competence network explains, the entire therapy process is geared towards the patient's needs. If the patient is not in good shape, the therapist will take this into account and shorten the training program slightly.
Our movement sequence is very complex and is subject to special mechanical requirements due to the structure of our musculoskeletal system. In order to be able to analyze and understand this, the process must be divided into separate phases.
Our body obeys certain physical laws. On the one hand, many external forces act on the musculoskeletal system; on the other hand, we generate forces ourselves. Without this interplay of energies, movement is impossible.
Movement is caused by the forces acting on the body. The question of the size and direction of the force effect is particularly relevant here.
Visualizing these forces helps you to understand these facts, because only then can you initiate positive changes yourself.
The Leading Medicine Guide's quality assurance is ensured by the following acceptance prerequisites.
