The type of evaluation performed depends on your child’s condition and symptoms. The evaluations we offer include:

• Full gait analysis, involving a complete assessment of your child’s walking pattern using 3D motion capture, force plates, and muscle activity sensors.
• Limited gait/foot evaluation, focusing on how your child’s foot and ankle work while walking using pressure-sensitive mats and video analysis.
• Upper extremity evaluation, performing motion analysis and functional assessment of the arms and hands using motion capture technology.
• Video visit, involving a brief, video-only assessment of your child's walking pattern for tracking progress over time.
• StepWatch visit, monitoring functional activity using an FDA-approved device to assess walking activity in the natural environment.
• Sit to stand evaluation, assessing your child's functional mobility using 3D motion capture and force plates.

The Gait & Motion Analysis Laboratory is staffed by professionals who are widely respected in their fields. In addition to clinical care, our experts participate in research activities and serve as thought leaders in organizations like the Gait & Clinical Movement Analysis Society (GCMAS) and others. 

During the gait and motion analysis visit, your child will see:

• Biomechanist, who runs the computer technology, collects the data, and processes it for the report.
• Physical therapist, who supervises and guides you through the evaluations and educates your family.

While not present during the evaulation, our orthopedic surgeon reviews the data with the physical therapist and recommends treatment options. 

To help you prepare for your child's visit, our team compiled answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.

Do I need a referral for gait and motion analysis?
A referral from your child’s specialist is required for each visit.

Does insurance cover gait and motion analysis?
Insurance benefits vary, so it’s important to check with your insurance provider.

What ages do you work with?
We provide gait analysis services for children from 2 to 20 years old.

Where is the gait lab and how do we check in?
Gait and motion analysis is performed at Nemours Children’s Hospital, Delaware.

We ask that you arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment and check in with the gait lab front desk.  

The lab is located on the ground floor of the hospital. When you get there, you will complete an electronic questionnaire and history. 

What should my child wear for the appointment?
Because we need to see both legs, both arms, both shoulders, and part of the back, please have your child bring or wear one of the following:

• Tank top and shorts
• One-piece bathing suit
• Leotard

Please note, boys will need to remove their shirts for accuracy of testing.

What if my child uses a mobility aid or wears orthotics?
Please bring any mobility aids, orthotics, or special shoes your child uses. We want to see how they move both with and without these aids.

Is gait or motion analysis painful?
We use cameras, sensors on the skin, and special mats to walk on. Some children experience brief discomfort with removal of the skin sensors, similar to removing a bandaid.

How long does an appointment last?
Appointments can range from 15 minutes for a simple video analysis to up to three hours for a full gait analysis. We'll let you know how long it will take when you schedule the appointment.

How soon will we get the results?
We typically need four to six weeks to analyze the data and prepare a report. You will receive the results in Nemours Children's MyChart and your referring physician will also receive the results. You should schedule a follow-up appointment to go over results with your physician.

How often does my child need to visit the gait lab?
The frequency depends on your child's condition and treatment plan. Your doctor will recommend a schedule.

In addition to clinical care, the gait lab is involved in research to improve treatment for children here at Nemours and around the world. We focus on:

• The study of outcomes of surgeries and determining the best candidates for those surgeries.
• The study of which factors lead to the fastest and most optimal recovery after surgery. 
• The study of walking activity so we are not just focused on how your child walks at the hospital but what they do in the community.
• The study of long-term changes in walking including into adulthood, so we know that treatments are both effective now and in the future.