Abstract:
Objectives: The GALS (Gait, Arms, Legs and Spine) examination is a compact version of standard procedures used by rheumatologists to determine musculoskeletal disorders in patients. Computerization of such a clinical procedure is necessary to ensure an objective evaluation. This article presents the first steps in such an approach by outlining a procedure to use motion analysis techniques as a new method for GALS examination. Method: A 3D motion pattern was obtained from two subject groups using a six camera motion analysis system. The range of motion associated with GALS was consequently determined using a MATLAB program. Results: The range of motion (ROM) of the two subject groups was determined, the validity of the approach was outlined, and the symmetry of movement on both sides of the body was quantified through introduction of a dependency coefficient. Conclusion: Analysis of GALS examination and diagnosis of musculoskeletal problems could be addressed more accurately and reliably by adopting motion analysis techniques. Furthermore, introduction of a dependency coefficient offers a wide spectrum of prospective applications in neuromuscular studies .
Machine summary:
Results: The range of motion (ROM) of the two subject groups was determined, the validity of the approach was outlined, and the symmetry of movement on both sides of the body was quantified through introduction of a dependency coefficient.
Structure of the protocol developed for the Automatic GALS screening Subcategory Movement Description Assessment Method Gait Walking at comfortable pace Arm Shoulder external rotation 3D Gait Analysis Dressing ability: Elbow- shoulder is pulled back from coronal plane Evaluation of walking pattern by tracking ankle landmark The angle of rotation of the arm Subcategory Movement Description Assessment Method Arm flexion Standing upright with arms hanging, the arm is then rotated upwards The angle of rotation of the arm Wrist flexion & extension Arms hanging freely, hands are kept horizontally at right angles to arms, wrist is rotated upwards and downwards Wrist rotation Leg Knee flexion Lying on the couch, foreleg is free while thigh is brought up The angle of knee flexion Hip internal rotation Passive internal rotation of individual hips Lateral rotation of foreleg Ankle Dorsi & Plantar Flexion Rotating foot from vertical position, moving back and forth Foot-foreleg angle Spine Subcategory Movement Description Assessment Method Waist Lateral Bending Waist Flexion Keeping waist stationary, bending the upper extremity laterally T10-S1 bending forward Angle of motion of the T10-S1 line T10-S1 forward angle The positioning of the passive or active markers plays an important role in this screening protocol.