Mission...

The mission of the Gait (Human Mechanics) Laboratory is to generate objective, quantitative information about the normal and pathological function of the human body, using non-invasive methods. This information can assist clinicians in improving the determination of diagnoses and treatment strategies by enhancing the understanding of musculo-skeletal
disease and injury.

Currently, the Gait Lab group focuses on the kinematics (joint motions) and kinetics (joint moments and forces) of the lower extremities. Joint kinematics and kinetics are recorded during normal daily activities, such as walking, ascending/descending stairs, and rising from/sitting into a chair. The data generated can be used for a broad range of analyses, including determining the effects of different orthopedic interventions. This data is evaluated by a variety of experienced physicians and/or scientists. In close cooperation with other laboratories within the Dept. of Orthopedic Surgery, and the Dept. of Rheumatology, the Gait Lab group is committed to the well being of people in need of orthopedic intervention.

Historically, the Gait Laboratory at Rush University Medical Center has played an important role in orthopedic research and has influenced the program directions of many other laboratories within the Department. The information generated from functional testing provides unique in vivo information that cannot be obtained from mathematical modeling and/or in vitro testing. Today, the database, established in the early 1980s, contains over 4,200 entries from normal, treated, and disabled subjects. This is a valuable source of information to aid in answering a variety of orthopedic research questions related to the lower extremities.