Movement analysis in spinal cord injuries. Assistance in clinical decision making

Die Orthopädie, 2023 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00132-023-04409-y · Published: July 25, 2023

Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Biomechanics

Simple Explanation

For individuals with incomplete spinal cord injuries, improving their ability to walk is a primary goal during rehabilitation. While standard tests can measure walking ability, they don't assess the quality of walking. Motion analysis provides a reliable way to evaluate how someone walks. This method allows for an objective assessment of walking quality over time, which can help with therapy planning. The study uses two case studies to illustrate the benefits of motion analysis in these situations. Motion analysis can help differentiate between gait changes caused by spasticity, muscle weakness, or contractures. This distinction aids in deciding between orthotic devices or spasticity management.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

250 incomplete tetra- and paraplegics

Evidence Level

Case Studies

Key Findings

1
Marker-based motion analysis is valuable in objectively assessing gait patterns and quality in patients with incomplete spinal cord injuries.
2
Motion analysis can help differentiate primary gait abnormalities from secondary compensatory mechanisms.
3
Instrumented gait analysis can be used to evaluate the effect of interventions such as botulinum toxin injections on gait patterns.

Research Summary

For motor incomplete spinal cord injured patients, improvement of walking function is an important aim in the rehabilitation program. Marker-based movement analysis can be used as a reliable method to evaluate the gait pattern. This allows an objective assessment of gait quality over time or can be used to support therapy planning. The benefit of such an analysis is presented by means of two case studies.

Practical Implications

Improved Therapy Planning

Objective gait analysis aids in tailoring interventions like orthotics or spasticity management.

Objective Outcome Measurement

Quantifiable data on gait changes support evidence-based interventions and demonstrate treatment effectiveness.

Enhanced Patient Well-being

Improved gait leads to better mobility and psychological well-being.

Study Limitations

1
Limited systematic investigations on the clinical benefits of movement analysis in incomplete spinal cord injuries.
2
Insufficient reimbursement for movement analysis in clinical settings.
3
Gangbilder von Tetra- und Paraplegikern lassen sich nicht per se klassifizieren, die Bandbreite ist groß und somit wird eine individuelle Begutachtung notwendig

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