Answers to my inquiry

Answers to my inquiry

Eric O'Guinn, CPO

11/27/2009

As of today I have had two replies to my inquiry.

 

My original question:

 

I am curious how many practitioners are utilizing video-based motion capture
in their respective practices for evaluating kinematics of pathologic gait
(either for in/out of brace, prosthetic gait, foot orthotic Rx). Etc). Of
those using such systems what cameras are in use and what software packages
are in use. I am using Kinovea in my practice but am considering Dartfish or
siliconcoach ( I am aware of parallax error and am still using a single
camera for simple kinematic and observational data collection). I will post
all replies to my inquiry.

 

 

 

Replies:

 

I have been using Contemplas Clinical Gait analysis for about 2 years. I
looked into Dartfish, Innovision, Kineview, and Medical Motion.

All the systems can be located on the internet for more information. I have
been introduced to Gait-rite who have also implemented video (for joint

kinematics) as well and looks promising but expensive.

 

There were several reasons why I selected Contemplas:

1) I wanted a 2 camera system (Sagital & Frontal plane views) that would be
synchronized

2) I wanted to integrate my in-shoe pressure measurement system (F-Scan)
which only contemplas does,

3) I wanted the ability to determine joint angle in both planes
(kinematics), stride kinematics (stride lengths, stride, stance and swing
times).

4) I wanted a system that had report formats available

5) I wanted the ability to record free walking or treadmill

6) simple and easy to learn.

 

Contemplas has worked out well but as you noted in the frontal plane
parallax problems become quite noticeable. Often the Orthotic client
externally or internally rotates the segment making it more difficult to
determine or measure the joint angle. Often the footwear covers the heel and
ankles. No orthotic condition I try to record without footwear, but then to
compare to Orthotic & footwear one should also record no orthotic condition
with same footwear. But why? If we are clinically trying to determine if the
AFO corrects dropfoot during swing (due to pf ankle of 30 deg.),
re-establish heelstrike from forefoot strike (due to 20 deg. pf ankle) then
I don't worry about shod condition.

I found that I do have to move the frontal plane camera to focus on the
affected limb. If the patient toes out then I arrange the camera to record
rearfoot varus/valgus and genu varum/valgus.

 

I should decide if the data is for clinical applications versus for
scientific collection, then decide on conditions to use.

 

Hope this helps.

 

Steven Hale,

M.Sc., C.O.C

 

 

 

I have used both, The Dartfish is a higher level system and gives almost
everything that you need for evaluating movement. However I am now using
Siliconcoach, it is a simpler system and very cost effective. I can get all
the info I need from silconcoach. I personally do not need all the info that
is available and find that it just takes longer to get to the same
conclusion, when I use a more sophisticated system. I suggest that you look
into the Siliconcaoch system. They are brining out a prosthetic upgrade to
the system which will make it a very useful tool in evaluating gait analysis
and movement.

 

If I can be of further assistance please let me know.

 

Best wishes

 

Gary Seaman MSc CPO (D)

Prosthetist & Orthotist

Dip. Clinical Gait Analysis

 

 

Eric O'Guinn, CPO