Preparing for a Gait Analysis Visit at The Children’s Hospital

Jo also brought a swimsuit, a good clothing option
for many patients during their gait analysis.

Gait analysis is a process that takes approximately 3 hours and parents are able to stay with their child the entire time. The lab itself resembles a movie studio with blue walls and photographic lighting to provide an optimal environment for recording human movement. Many of our patients are interested in the cameras, computers and technology in the room and look forward to the time where they can ‘dress up’ in a robot suit and perform for the camera!

We will ask patients to walk the distance of the room several times, which can be a challenge for some, but we work with you to make sure your child is as comfortable as possible throughout the process.

What to Bring to Your Gait Analysis Visit

You should bring any assistive devices that your child typically uses, such as braces, crutches or walkers. We will watch your child’s movement without these devices, but also want to study their movement with them.

It is very important that your child wear the proper clothing for their visit. It makes it easier to do our analysis when she is wearing clothing that does not restrict her and allows for free movement. It is also important that we are able to see the child’s lower body in motion. We recommend that you bring shorts and a bathing suit so we have a couple clothing choices that are both comfortable for your child and enable us to easily analyze their movement.

Before your appointment, patients should complete the following questionnaire and bring it with you to your appointment. This information is necessary before we are able to begin your gait analysis. Gait Analysis Patient Questionnaire (.pdf)

Other Suggestions for Your Visit

Because the visit can last for several hours and involve different tasks, we do like to keep the study room calm and quiet from distracting activity. If you have other children that you do not have child care for on the day of your visit, we recommend contacting The Children’s Hospital Creative Play Center for a free and safe play area for siblings of patients.

Also be sure to read more general information about visiting The Children’s Hospital - including directions, where to park, and other helpful tips – in our section About Your Visit.

Steps in a Gait Analysis Study

Although many of our patients might have the same condition, they are all treated as individuals and receive custom care at The Children’s Hospital. However, many of the patients who visit CGMA generally experience the same type of tests and analysis in typically the same order.

Prepare for your Gait Analysis Study and learn what to expect in our 5 step process:

1. Check In and Physical Exam

2. Observe and Videotape Movement

3. Dynamic Electromyography

4. 3D Motion Analysis and Stride Characteristics

5. Data Analysis and Recommendation

Many of our visitors have fun with the different robot suits and walking exercises, but the best part for some children is that they are able to choose a toy to bring home at the end of all the tests! This is just one of the ways that The Children’s Hospital makes it easier for kids to go through medical tests, by distracting them from the parts they might not like and even making it fun experience.