Motion Analysis

Motion Analysis Overview

Motion analysis uses advanced technology, such as high-speed optical cameras, to create a detailed picture of how you move.

This helps our team of physical therapists, biomechanists, trainers and physicians assess movement quality. We can take in-depth looks at your movement in several ways, such as:

• Slowing the picture down
• Viewing from different angles
• Comparing with ground reaction forces
• Comparing muscle activation

With this technology, we can review movement that's not possible with the naked human eye.

IU Health offers the only clinical, complete motion analysis assessment in Indiana. After your motion analysis, we will interpret the data and work closely with your physical therapist, trainer, physician or coach to explain the results. We'll also make recommendations on next steps.

We collaborate with Riley Hospital for Children at IU Health Orthopedics to provide motion analysis for young patients with developmental disabilities. We also work with IU Health Sports Medicine to enhance sports performance training. We work motion analysis assessments into an athlete’s training plan.

What to Expect with Motion Analysis

Watch Video: What to Expect with Motion Analysis

Return to Sport Motion Analysis Assessments

If you've suffered a sports related injury, a motion analysis assessment can help determine if it is appropriate to return to your sport.

Sometimes structural changes take place after an injury. Sometimes these develop because of compensations developed during rehabilitation. Either way, injured athletes can develop abnormal movement patterns.

While the original injury might have healed, these new movement patterns leave the athlete open to future injury.

With motion analysis, we can identify these compensations. We'll determine the necessary steps to correct. That way, you can return to your sport with confidence.

Injury Prevention Motion Analysis Screening

If you're heavily invested into your sport, missing any time due to injury can be devastating. We use injury prevention screening to help athletes who appear to be healthy. Our goal is to reduce the risk of future injury and time lost in your sport.

Even the highest level athletes can fall into bad habits. This can lead to bad form or posture. Continuing to compete with these bad habits can lead to injury or chronic irritation.

Healthy athletes may benefit from injury prevention motion analysis screening. You'll reduce your chance of injury and time lost doing what you have trained to do—compete.

Performance Based Adult Motion Analysis

If you're looking to enhance your game, you can request motion analysis as a tool for improved performance.

Whether it’s a runner’s stride or a pitcher’s throw, motion analysis allows us to evaluate your performance. We'll use the analysis to make suggestions for improved movement.

Our team will advise you about your movement patterns compared to normal movement. You and your coaches can work these recommendations into your training for improved performance.

Pediatric Motion Analysis

Our team, consisting of a biomechanist, physical therapist and pediatric orthopedic surgeon work with children who experience abnormal movement patterns due to developmental disabilities such as cerebral palsy. Learn more about our pediatric motion analysis services.