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| Typical Number in Hospital: 1 | Cost Bands: 5 | References: |
Walking patterns may be assessed for diagnostic purposes, but more commonly for studying the functioning of artificial hips and knees, artificial legs, and external support mechanisms (orthoses). The apparatus used is likely to include a walking platform, also known as a force plate, which consists of a metal plate held by a strong suspension in a frame with strain gauges, to measure the forces applied by the foot in three orthogonal directions as well as the rotational forces.
The apparatus may come with the necessary strain gauge amplifiers, and with a computer and programs to resolve the forces and moments, and to provide graphical display of the results. Such a device might be used in the orthopaedic surgery or limb fitting department.
Content and Design Copyright 2000 Dr. Malcolm C Brown. See Title Page for more details