[How reliable are data from 3d-gait analysis].
OBJECTIVE
The aim of the present study was to collect preliminary data to determine the test-retest reliability in healthy subjects using 3-dimensional computerised gait analysis.


METHODS
Ten healthy subjects (6 females, 4 males) were tested using a 3-dimensional computerized gait analysis system (VICON 512, Oxford Metrics). There were two trials within a 2-hour period in which kinetic, kinematic and time-distance data were collected. Markers were removed after the first trial and reapplied for the second trial and Pearson's correlation coefficients were calculated.


RESULTS
The correlation coefficients were all positive and high for time-distance (r = 0.86-0.99), sagittal plane kinematics (r = 0.86-0.98) and power (r = 0.90-0.98) parameters, indicating excellent reliability of these measures. Correlation coefficients for frontal and transverse plane kinematics were lower (r = 0.59-0.89). The lowest correlation coefficient values were obtained for transverse plane measures at the hip joint indicating poor reliability of this measure in healthy subjects.


CONCLUSIONS
The results suggest excellent test-retest reliability using 3-dimensional computerized gait analysis, especially in the sagittal plane. Therefore this method is a very valuable tool in the analysis as well as in the outcome evaluation of conservative and operative procedures in movement disorders
Westhoff
B
B
Orthopädische Klinik der Heinrich-Heine-Universität, Düsseldorf. westhoff@med.uni-duesseldorf.de
Hirsch
M A
MA
Hefter
H
H
Wild
A
A
Krauspe
R
R
D000328:Adult; D005684:Gait / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D007090:Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000379:methods*; D035002:Lower Extremity / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D010781:Photography / Q000379:methods*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014741:Video Recording / Q000379:methods