Motion Analysis Center

The Motion Analysis Center (MAC) was established in 1994 to promote independence for people with gait and movement disorders through objective analysis, education, and research.The MAC is Michigan's leader in computerized gait analysis, serving patients from all areas of the state who have neuromuscular disorders. We use state-of-the-art technology to objectively measure complex joint movements and muscle activity patterns and forces acting on the body during walking.

Services

We provide a comprehensive description of how the patient's body moves during walking compared to age-appropriate normal walking patterns. The interpretation of the data can be used by referring physicians to determine the best possible treatment plan for the patient.

Services Include

Split-screen videotaping
Detailed physical assessment
Plantar pressure analysis
Surface electromyography
3-D joint motion and forces
Temporal/spatial gait parameters
Energy expenditure estimate
Written report with recommendations

Who Uses These Services

Patients with these diagnoses are commonly served:

Cerebral palsy
Spina bifida
Traumatic brain injury
Stroke
Polio/post-polio
Orthotics or prosthetics users
Any neuromusculoskeletal disorders that affect ambulation

Services Explained

The study takes 3-4 hours and includes several components, though not all components will be necessary for every patient. Components may include:

Split-Screen Videotaping

Two digital video cameras (side and front views) simultaneously record the patient walking. A copy of this video accompanies the report to referring physician.

Detailed Physical Assessment

Our physical therapist performs a comprehensive assessment of the lower extremities, including muscle strength and control, muscle length, joint motion, spasticity, bony torsion, balance, and overall posture.

Plantar Pressure Analysis

The patient walks over a thin mat that electronically measures the pressures under the foot.The color-coded footprints created in the computer identify the areas of highest and lowest pressure.

Surface Electromyography

Sensors (electrodes) are taped to the patient's skin over particular muscles important in walking. The computer records when muscles are active during walking. A fine wire EMG study is also available on request.

3-D Joint Motion and Forces

Small reflective markers are taped to the patient's feet, legs, and trunk. Ten state-of-the-art, high- speed video cameras record the motion of these markers as the patient walks down a designated walkway. Before leaving, patients see the 3-D model of their own walk on the computer.

Energy Expenditure Estimate

Patients wear a heart rate monitor while walking for a few minutes around a track.We use the patient's heart rate and walking velocity to estimate how much energy they expend during walking.

Written Report with Recommendations

All information gathered in the evaluation is processed and interpreted by a highly qualified, interdisciplinary team of professionals.The referring physician is sent a video/DVD and detailed written report, including the data, a summary/interpretation, and recommendations. This information assists referring physicians in establishing a treatment plan for the patient. Physicians can expect to see results approximately three weeks following the test.