What we do

The treadmill gait analysis lab uses an instrumented treadmill and motion capture analysis to assess people's gait (walking patterns) before and after lower limb orthopaedic surgery (hip or knee).

Why it is important.

Improvements in the quality of life have led to heightened expectations for a return to high levels of function following orthopaedic surgery. However, the current approach to assessing functional outcomes relies heavily on patient questionnaires, which, by their very nature, carry inherent subjectivity and provide only a broad measure of function. Gait analysis is a powerful and objective tool, offering a precise and sensitive option to measure patients' functional abilities, which questionnaires often miss. By harnessing the potential of gait analysis, we aim to provide a more accurate assessment of function both before and after surgery. This invaluable data enables us to compare surgical interventions, evaluate functional outcomes, and assess the effectiveness of rehabilitation.

How it can benefit patients

Gait analysis plays a crucial role in the objective assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation of lower limb orthopaedic patients. It helps healthcare professionals make informed decisions, tailor treatments to individual needs, and ultimately improve overall patient outcomes.

Summary of current research:

• Functional outcomes of Hip Resurfacing Arthroplasty and Total Hip Arthroplasty
• Functional outcomes of Partial Knee Replacement and Total Knee Replacement
• Improving the quality of life of lower limb orthopaedic patients