OptoGait is portable, quick, easy to use and very competitively priced compared to other Gait Analysis systems on the market today.
OptoGait (in partnership with Podotech) is an innovative system for movement analysis and functional assessment of patients with normal or pathological conditions.
It comes with an extensive kit, including:
x1 OptoGait TX with integrated interface (1cm)
x1 OptoGait RX with integrated interface (1cm)
x1 Bag for Optojump Next / OptoGait single metre
x1 USB Cable A+B
x1 Power supply OptoGait up to 5m
x1 EU plug for battery charger
x1 Power supply extension Optojump Next / OptoGait
x2 Webcam for Optojump Next / OptoGait
x2 Tripod
x2 USB extension
x1 Optogait Surface EMG cable
x1 OptoGait Software
OptoGait is a system for optical detection made by a transmitting and a receiving bar. Each one contains 96 LEDs communicating on an infrared (visible) frequency with the same number of LEDs on the opposite bar. Once positioned on the floor or on the treadmill, the system detects the interruptions of the communication between the bars - caused by the patient’s movement - and calculates the duration and position.
During the execution of a running, gait or series of jumps test, the contact and flight times can be measured with an accuracy of 1 thousandth of a second and the position of the interrupted LEDs with a space resolution of 1,041 cm. Starting from this basic data, the dedicated software measures in real-time a series of crucial data for the movement analysis.
Classically, contact gait analysis has been precise, informative, and costly. This last attribute has limited its use to large biomechanical institutes. To control costs, simple contact pads have been employed. Contact pads, however, cannot assess dynamic motion.
The innovative design affords doctors, therapists, and researchers the ability to become their own high-tech laboratories; contact analysis is now affordable and portable.
Systems range from one to 100 meters. When paired with a standard treadmill, all aspects of the gait cycle can be studied. Parameters (e.g., contact time, flight time, and pre-swing) can be measured to .001 of a second. Left and right differentials are recorded. Precise, objective data is correlated to determine extent of injury and effectiveness of treatment.
All data is displayed in real time thru the software platform (affording instant decisions on treatment protocols) and paired with both lateral and sagittal video analysis. Data is stored over time, affording the clinician the ability to determine effectiveness of treatment.
Injury prevention is enhanced via objective data, showing increased asymmetrical tendencies before pain sets in. Chronic injuries are addressed via gait-empowered differentials, identifying the root cause of malingering problems. All aspects of dynamic motion are recorded to ensure your patient is functioning at his/her highest level.
1. One meter system on treadmill: Have the patient walk at a slow speed. Observe the parameters of the gait cycle in real time. Make left and right comparisons of contact time, flight time, swing, etc. As you increase your patient’s speed, note if asymmetries are improving or worsening. When maximum efficiency is realized, record asymmetries and the treadmill’s speed. This efficient ‘rhythm of gait’ is a good starting point for clinical intervention. Footwear, orthotics, conditioning exercises, etc. may be employed to enhance patient symmetry. Pending the patient’s needs, gait protocols can be performed at any speed
2. One meter system on floor:
a) A basic step test can be evaluated for biomechanical efficiency. Contact and flight time of each leg is evaluated for symmetry.
b) Standard squat jump can be evaluated for maximum power. Pelvic angle can be noted instantly. Conditioning protocols can be based off this angle.
c) One-legged jumps, in any direction, are employed to compare left and right power. Knowing the patient’s overall power is only one aspect; symmetry is key to all rehabilitative programs.
d) Agility, left and right, is studied via simple ski tests. Left and right contact and flight times are easily compared. Effective treatment ensures there is no favored side.
