The Children’s Hospital Center for Gait and Movement Analysis

You know that your child can receive the best care possible only with the most accurate information available. That is why your child’s tests at The Center for Gait and Movement Analysis (CGMA) at The Children’s Hospital can be such an important part of their overall care and improvement in their walking or gait problems.

Learn how Jo prepares for her gait analysis visit

While modern motion laboratories supporting clinical gait analysis have a long history in many parts of the world, there was no facility available for the children of Colorado until July 1999. Prior to this, children with significant gait abnormalities were referred to the closest facilities in California, Texas, and Minnesota. CGMA is the region’s first and one of only about 40 in the country that provides a comprehensive analysis of gait and movement for patients with neuromuscular disorders. We are also one of the few clinics at the Children’s Hospital that treats both child and adult patients.

Gait Analysis at The Children’s Hospital

The word "gait" means a particular way or manner of walking. A gait analysis is an in-depth look at how your child walks or performs certain functions. CGMA uses state-of-the-art computer and video technology to analyze your child’s limb and body movement and his muscle activity as he walks or moves freely in a normal environment.

Children’s experts – including physical therapists, kinesiologists, orthopedic surgeons, physiatrists, and engineers – review the reports and make a recommendation for care of your child. While this might mean surgery for some patients, for others the treatment plan recommended can include physical therapy, medications or modifications to any orthotic or prosthetic being used. Our team works together to ensure that your child will be as mobile and active as possible.

Prepare for your gait analysis appointment

Patients Seen at The Children’s Hospital Center for Gait and Movement Analysis

CGMA was originally developed to help monitor and manage the ongoing medical needs of children with cerebral palsy. Today, cerebral palsy patients are 80% of our patient volume, but we also see a variety of neuromuscular conditions like those listed below:

• Cerebral Palsy
• Spina Bifida
• Brain or spinal cord injury
• Muscular dystrophies
• Hip and joint problems or balance disorders
• Brace or prosthetic device modifications

Treating Adults

Although CGMA was initially designed for children, the equipment, techniques, and personnel assembled have proven invaluable in the examination of other diagnoses that may develop later in childhood or adulthood. Because the CGMA is the only gait lab in the Denver Metro area, we are one of the few programs at The Children's Hospital that regularly evaluates both children and adults. Adults that we typically see at CGMA have the following conditions or problems:

• Stroke or cerebral vascular event
• Parkinson’s disease
• Amputation