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State-of-the-art analysis
The lab team can analyze all aspects of gait and movement and provide physical performance testing services, including quantitative strength testing, kinematic and kinetic measurements, and mobility assessments.
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Improved decision-making
Treadmills with a 10-camera motion capture system and other specialized equipment help clinicians determine the most appropriate treatment, such as step training to reduce the incidence of falls in older adults or others with balance impairments.
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Better quality of life
By understanding musculoskeletal conditions, researchers can develop interventions to optimize function and reduce pain for people with scoliosis, amputations, traumatic injuries, prosthetics and joint replacements.
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Future applications
Dr. Kaufman's lab is advancing research to accelerate the rehabilitation process, reduce fall risk and facilitate maximal functional capabilities, and developing novel strategies and tools to improve patient outcomes.
Overview
Motion analysis is the study of human movement. Directed by principal investigator Kenton R. Kaufman, Ph.D., P.E., the Motion Analysis Laboratory at Mayo Clinic offers state-of-the-art treatment planning for patients with movement difficulties, aids in documenting results of therapeutic procedures, and conducts research on future clinical applications of human movement analysis.
Modern motion analysis techniques such as those used in the Motion Analysis Laboratory can evaluate all aspects of a patient's gait at one time, allowing simultaneous treatment of multiple issues.
A key benefit of motion analysis is improved clinical decision-making. Using objective data gathered in the Motion Analysis Laboratory, clinicians can determine the most appropriate surgery or other treatment to correct each person's gait issue or other movement disorder.
Depending on the condition, clinicians may consider several surgical and nonsurgical therapies. Surgical treatments include a variety of procedures to lengthen specific muscles, transfer tendons or correct bony irregularities through the use of osteotomies. Nonsurgical recommendations include physical therapy, bracing or gait aids.
Research focus areas
Our lab investigates a wide range of motion issues and limb-loss related concerns for patients of all ages, from infants to adults.
Research focus areas include preventing falls in combat veterans with lower extremity trauma and other populations with balance concerns, developing a national orthotic and prosthetic registry, improving quality of life in patients with knee and hip arthroplasty, managing spinal deformities, optimizing functional outcomes for pediatric patients with scoliosis, and improving function after brachial plexus reconstruction.
A new effort is the Limb Loss and Preservation Registry, the first national registry of its kind for people who have lost limbs. The registry, supported by the National Institutes of Health and the Department of Defense, promises to collect data to improve prevention, treatment and rehabilitation efforts related to limb loss.
About Dr. Kaufman
Dr. Kaufman is a professor of orthopedics and a professor of biomedical engineering at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science in Rochester, Minnesota.
Motion Analysis Lab Introduction at Mayo Clinic