Tests and Procedures
The Motion Analysis Laboratory offers a team of specialists and specialized equipment to aid in evaluations for motion studies on patients, including motion capture systems, surface and indwelling electromyography sensors, and multiple strength assessment modalities.
While most testing is done to study walking, our lab studies any kind of movement, including upper extremity motion.
Elements of a motion study include:
- How the body moves and forces that cause movement
- Muscle activity
- Muscle strength
- Pressure under the foot while walking
How the body moves and forces that cause movement
The Motion Analysis Lab has two motion capture systems and 10 force platforms to measure human movement in a variety of ground conditions.
The lab team analyzes the gait of a research volunteer.
Reflective markers placed at specific locations on the body record movement.
Muscle activity
The lab uses surface and indwelling electromyography (EMG) to monitor when muscles are on or off during a movement.
A surface EMG sensor is taped over the skin to record muscle activity.
Muscle strength
Staff members in the Motion Analysis Lab have a variety of sensors available to measure muscle strength.
A Motion Analysis Lab staff member tests a research volunteer's leg strength.
Pressure under the foot while walking
In-shoe pressure profiles are measured to ensure that orthotics and custom footwear are working optimally.
A Motion Analysis Lab staff member explains foot pressure test results to a patient.
More information
For more information about how a typical motion analysis study is conducted, the activities involved in the assessment, and the team of professionals who will guide the test, review these brochures: