The Northern Ireland Human Movement Analysis Database- V2

  • Research type

    Research Database

  • IRAS ID

    233263

  • Contact name

    Brona McDowell

  • Contact email

    brona.mcdowell@belfasttrust.hscni.net

  • Research summary

    The Northern Ireland Human Movement Analysis Database; A database of gait and movement disorders in children and adults with physical disabilities

  • REC name

    HSC REC B

  • REC reference

    18/NI/0007

  • Date of REC Opinion

    27 Apr 2018

  • REC opinion

    Further Information Favourable Opinion

  • Data collection arrangements

    Our gait lab is developing a database to study gait and other movement disorders in children and adults with orthopaedic and neurological conditions. The objective is to improve our understanding of movement deficits and how these change through time and after treatment.

    All data is recorded, collected and stored in the gait analysis laboratory. These data includes:

    -Three dimensional gait analysis
    We use equipment similar to the one used to create videogames and movie animations to record human movement. These data helps clinicians to make recommendations and assess treatment efficacy.

    -Pedobarography
    A specialized mat is used to record foot prints and measure the pressure on different areas of the foot. Increased pressure in specific areas is usually associated with gait abnormalities.

    -Surface Electromyography (non-invasive)
    The electrical activity of leg muscles is evaluated using specialised sensors during walking. This allows to determine whether specific muscles are working too much or not enough.

    -Physical examination
    Passive range of joint movement, strength and motor control selectivity is used to explain any abnormalities observed during gait.

    -Anonymous pictures and video
    Pictures and video will be collected to determine whether the anatomy of the legs and feet are likely to contribute to abnormal gait patterns.

  • Research programme

    The gait analysis laboratory is part of the Trauma and Orthopaedics Service Group within the Belfast Trust and has historicaly provided support to the Primary Joint Unit. Future collaboration is being sought within other areas of the Belfast Trust such as the Regionally Acquired Brain Injury Unit and the Spinal Unit. As such, the database will include adult and paediatric orthopaedic and neurological populations within the Belfast Trust. It will be available for clinicians and researchers looking to study the effect of intervention or natural progression in these populations. This database will also be used by the gait analysis staff to improve data processing and development of outcome measurements from gait analysis data and physical examination to determine treatment efficacy and/or classification of different conditions.

  • Research database title

    The Northern Ireland Human Movement Analysis Database; A database of gait and movement disorders in children and adults with physical disabilities

  • Establishment organisation

    Belfast Health and Social Care Trust

  • Establishment organisation address

    Musgrave Park Hospital

    Stockman's Lane

    Belfast

    BT9 7JB