A new approach to determine the hip rotations profile from clinical gait analysis data

Baker, RJ; Finney, L; Orr, J

Abstract

Conventional models for determining joint rotation angles from marker positions as part of three-dimensional clinical gait analysis are susceptible to errors arising from mis-placement of the thigh markers. An analysis of idealised data reveals how the measured variables are affected
by different angular offsets of the thigh marker from its true position. An artefact on the varus-valgus signal arising from the projection of true knee flexion onto a mal-aligned thigh segment axis is the most characteristic feature of this problem. If this is observed then the hip
rotation pro®les are also erroneous.
A technique is proposed to determine a correction factor which can be applied to gait data to correct for this mal-alignment. Its use is demonstrated on a single case study and a subjective assessment of its use on a cohort of 40 patients is reported. A detailed discussion of the
assumptions on which the method is founded is included as well as guidelines as to when the technique is likely to be successful. It is recommended that the technique is used as an aid to training staff in marker placement
rather than as a routine retrospective correction of data for erroneously placed markers.

Citation

Baker, R., Finney, L., & Orr, J. A new approach to determine the hip rotations profile from clinical gait analysis data. Human Movement Science, 18, 655-667. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0167-9457%2899%2900027-5

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Deposit Date: Jul 7, 2011
• Journal: Human Movement Science
• Print ISSN: 0167-9457
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 18
• Pages: 655-667
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0167-9457%2899%2900027-5
• Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0167-9457(99)00027-5