title: A method for analyzing joint symmetry and normalcy, with an application to analyzing gait.
abstract: A new method for analyzing symmetry and normalcy of gait patterns is explained. This method utilizes eigenvectors to compare waveforms. The right and left limbs of a single subject are compared to determine symmetry. To determine normalcy, a single limb from a subject is compared to a normative file created from the average of healthy control subjects. The analysis method provides four measures of symmetry and normalcy: trend phase, trend symmetry/normalcy, range amplitude ratio, and range offset. The trend symmetry/normalcy is a comparison of the shapes of the waveforms for each limb. The range amplitude ratio is a comparison of the range of motion of each limb. The range offset is a comparison of the range in which each limb operates. The exact methods and clinical applications are provided.
authors.affiliation: University of Delaware, College of Health Sciences, 345 McDowell Hall, Newark, DE 19716, United States. sjcren@udel.edu
authors.forename: Stephanie J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Crenshaw
authors.forename: James G
authors.initials: JG
authors.lastname: Richards
mesh_terms: D000674:Amputees; D000843:Ankle Joint / Q000502:physiology*; D005684:Gait / Q000502:physiology*; D006621:Hip Joint / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008433:Mathematics; D012016:Reference Values