The GaitRite System is a portable walkway system embedded with pressure sensors that measure spatiotemporal gait parameters in children with cerebral palsy (CP) and other mobility impairments. As the child walks across the mat, the system captures data on step patterns, foot pressure distribution, and walking symmetry.
Key Measures:
- Step length, cadence, and walking speed
- Foot placement and pressure distribution
- Gait asymmetry and variability
Accessing the GAITRite System:
For detailed information and inquiries about the GAITRite System, you can visit the official website:
Pros of Using the GAITRite System for Children:
- Objective Measurement: The system provides precise, quantifiable data on gait parameters, reducing subjective biases inherent in observational assessments. gaitrite.com
- Ease of Use: Its portable design allows for quick setup over any flat surface, enabling efficient data collection without the need for attaching devices to the child. accesshealth.com.au
- Comprehensive Data Collection: The GAITRite System captures multiple gait cycles in a single walk, offering a thorough analysis of gait patterns. gaitrite.com
- Clinical Utility: It assists in establishing baseline functions, documenting gait patterns pre- and post-intervention, and justifying decisions for therapeutic devices or services. gaitrite.com
Cons of Using the GAITRite System for Children:
- Cost: The system can be relatively expensive, which may limit accessibility in some clinical settings. medicaljournals.se
- Environmental Constraints: Requires a flat, unobstructed surface for accurate data collection, which may not always be available.
- Limited Qualitative Data: While it provides detailed quantitative metrics, the system may not capture qualitative aspects of gait, such as movement fluidity or compensatory strategies.
In summary, the GAITRite System offers a valuable tool for objectively assessing gait in children, providing detailed spatial and temporal data that can inform clinical decisions. However, considerations regarding cost, environmental setup, and the need for complementary qualitative assessments should be taken into account when implementing this technology.