Clinical Assessment and
Rehabilitation using the Kinematic Measurement System
The KMS is being used extensively for testing and training athletes, but this
was not the original reason for developing the system. We wanted an
accurate and flexible means of measuring gait velocity in patients and elderly
subjects. It was not long before innovative therapists began using
combinations of contact mats and light gates to perform a wide range of tests of
functional performance. Of course we do have the gait analysis test which
compares contact and flight times between the left and right legs, but with a
little imagination, many lower extremity tests can be designed to assess and
rehabilitate functional capacity.
Closed Chain Functional Capacity
Although isokinetic assessment of muscle strength has been a mainstay for the
past 20 years most clinicians now realize the limited functional application of
open chain, single joint, constant velocity testing to the real world challenges
faced by patients. This has resulted in the increased application of
functional tests. The KMS can be used to execute such tests and accurately
record and document the results. Similarly, the instant feedback provided
by the system provides motivation for the patient during rehabilitation.
The possibilities are really only limited by the imagination of the clinician
however here are few example applications:
Single leg hops
Using the contact mat and jump test option, the patient performs single or
multiple jumps using the left or right leg only. Starting off the mat, the
patient jumps onto the mat, then attempts to jump vertically for maximum
height. Jump height and contact time are then compared between legs
Left and Right Shuffle Speed
This can be performed incorporating reaction time or with the subject
beginning in their own time. Select the First Step Quickness test from the menu.
Three contact mats are required or one mat and two light gates. The subject
shuffles to the left or right depending on the direction provided randomly by
the KMS. Time to leave the start position as well as to reach the left or right
mat is recorded and ratios between left and right presented.
Left and Right Cutting Speed
This is a very specific test for assessing an athlete's readiness to return
to play. The test can be done with either contact mats or light gates set
out in the following pattern:
Use the Multigate test option with a single gate setup for the distance
between the center start gate and left and right target gates. The patient
runs down between the center gate and then cuts on command either left or
right. Compare the times to left or right to assess the degree of loss of
function cutting off right or left legs.
Gait Analysis Test
The gait analysis test is just one of the many items included in the KMS
software. With just a single contact mat contact and flight times for both
left and right legs can be measured with millisecond accuracy and ratios
calculated for comparison between legs. If the patient favors either leg
due to injury or surgery, these differences will be apparent in the results and
thus progress can be accurately tracked. To run the test first select from the
menu:
The patient begins in their own time lightly jogging on the contact mat (a
walking test using foot switches is also available) while the system measures
flight and contact times and displays them in realtime
At the completion of the test clicking on Save Trial produces the
following report:
Gait Analysis
Date: Tuesday, February 13, 2001 Time: 08:31 AM
Subject: Alice Jenkins Mass: 59 kg
Test duration (secs): 30
|
| |
Right |
Left |
| Foot strike count |
14 |
14 |
| flight (ms) |
761 |
757 |
| contact (ms) |
294 |
343 |
| Ratios |
|
|
| flight:contact |
2.59 |
2.21 |
|
Left to Right Flight = 0.99
Left to Right Contact = 1.17
|
Balance Assessment and Rehabilitation
Previously it has been difficult to accurately assess progress with balance
training and rehabilitation. Innervations has added a new switch to our
range based on a Wobble board. Detailed
information on time ON and OFF balance, number of times balance is lost, and the
ON/OFF ratio. One leg standing allows comparison of left and right legs.
Provide valuable feedback for therapist and patient.
