Which tool is used to analyze gait through video?

The tool utilized to analyze gait through video is a motion capture system. This advanced technology involves recording an individual's movements using video cameras and specialized software that tracks and analyzes the body’s motion during walking or running.

Motion capture systems provide detailed data on various aspects of gait, including stride length, speed, joint angles, and body posture. This information is invaluable for healthcare professionals, including pedorthists, who need to understand how individuals move to make informed decisions about foot orthoses, footwear, and rehabilitation. The ability to visualize and analyze gait in real-time allows for precise assessments that can lead to tailored treatment plans.

While other tools such as pressure mapping systems measure force distribution and foot pressure during gait, and foot scanners create a three-dimensional mold of the foot, they do not provide the comprehensive movement analysis offered by motion capture systems. Similarly, posture analysis systems focus more on body alignment rather than the detailed analysis of gait itself. Hence, motion capture systems stand out as the optimal choice for video gait analysis.