WALK THIS WAY

The Gait/Motion Analysis Laboratory will feature instrumentation to objectively evaluate movement patterns such as walking, reaching and standing. Gait analysis can be used to assist medical decisions involving treatment and interventions for various pathological conditions in children, adults and the aging population. Typical conditions evaluated by a gait lab include stroke, cerebral palsy, head injury, joint injuries or abnormalities, Parkinson's disease, multiple sports applications and falling among the aging population.

"By evaluating the way people walk or move, we can determine objectively the type of intervention needed, such as surgery and/or rehabilitation," Karakostas said.

Monitoring the position of the body in space with light-reflective markers and video cameras, observing muscle activity via electromyography and calculating ground reaction forces allow researchers to analyze coordination, movement disorders and other abnormalities.

"This allows us to determine the load or weight distribution, and the impact on joints," Karakostas said.

The lab also will use foot pressure analysis to fit shoes for individuals with diabetes. Researchers map where the most pressure is being exerted on the foot when walking or standing, and special inserts then can be made to provide additional support where needed.

Another service provided will be golf analysis, which will monitor the golfer's stance and swing. "This analysis will focus on injury prevention rather than improving performance," Karakostas said. "That is true of most all the analysis this lab provides. We want to try to prevent injury, to not allow a movement pattern to become a pathological condition."

Karakostas said by extensively mapping and monitoring seemingly simple movements, many injuries can be prevented and abnormalities corrected. "People think walking and standing are simple," he said. "But in reality, both are extremely complex."