A light-emitting diode system for the analysis of gait. A method and selected clinical examples.

The purpose of this study was to design, develop, and test a comprehensive and potentially clinically useful system for the objective evaluation of sagittal-plane motion and temporal and distance factors during gait. A light-emitting diode and a 35 mm single-frame color slide photographic technique were utilized. The method of data collection and reduction produced values that are similar to reports in previous literature. High reliability was shown both within and across investigators testing normal subjects. Across-investigator comparisons when taking angular measurements demonstrated lower reliability. Specific clinical examples are presented to demonstrate the applicability of the light-emitting diode system.