Introduction to Analyzing Human Movement: Qualitative Motion Analysis

Question 1

Describing Motion Precisely

Answer 1

• motion may be described in many ways
• precision in terminology and language allows for better communication
• discrete serial continuous

Question 2

Kinematics: Description of Motion

Answer 2

• one component of biomechanics
• includes description of motion
• no regard for production of forces

Question 3

Kinetics: Analysis of Force

Answer 3

• the other component of biomechanics

- concerned with forces producing motion or maintaining equilibrium

Question 4

Quantitative Motion Analysis

Answer 4

• based on quantification of data
• measures force in three planes
• more common in medical center or research settings

Question 5

Qualitative Analysis

Answer 5

• defined as systematic observation and introspective judgement of the quality of human movement for the most appropriate intervention to improve performance
• low level QA offered by some: coaches, teachers, therapists
• interdisciplinary approach increased level of care
• primary method of improving function in many professions
• may be the most important skill a master clinician develops
• good qualitative analysis requires an interdisciplinary approach
• may use such models to: prevent injury in ergonomic or sport settings, monitor recovery from injury or disease processes
• by nature a subjective process, requiring a judgement call
• does not mean that it’s unorganized, vague, or arbitrary
• requires extensive planning, a broad view, and many steps

Question 6

Qualitative Analysis and Observation

Answer 6

• the process of gathering organizing, and assigning meaning to sensory information
• we use all our senses to treat patients

Question 7

Qualitative Analysis and Invervention

Answer 7

• the use of feedback, correlations, or other changes in the environment
• goal is to improve function

Question 8

Qualitative Analysis and Function

Answer 8

• term may be used interchangeably with performance (how well organism operates)
• short-term or long-term effectiveness of a person’s movement in achieving a goal

Question 9

Qualitative vs. Quantitative Analysis

Answer 9

• no method is purely one or the other
• qualitative end involves non-numerical analysis of movement
• quantitative end involves some measurement of function

Question 10

Spatial Analysis

Answer 10

• description of body and its segments

- emphasis on position of the body and it’s segments

Question 11

Temporal Analysis

Answer 11

• description of body and its segments

- emphasis on sequencing of the motion of the body and its segments

Question 12

Analyzing Qualitative Motion Analysis

Answer 12

• preparation
• observation
• evaluation/diagnosis
• intervention

Question 13

Preparation

Answer 13

• requires a requisite knowledge base
• three main sources of information: experience, expert opinion, scientific research
• need to: establish “ideal form” or “critical features”, gain knowledge of patient beforehand, continually update knowledge base

Question 14

Observation

Answer 14

• process of gathering, organizing and giving meaning
• pulling in sensory information
• may “observe” human movement in many ways
• done best using a systematic observational strategy (SOS): important critical features, control of the situation, vantage points of observation, number of observations needed, decision whether extended observation will be needed

Question 15

Common SOS

Answer 15

• observe according to sequence or phrase of movement
• observe from origins of movement
• observations of balance
• observe based on importance
• search for signs of sequential coordination
• gestalt approach

Question 16

Evaluation/Diagnosis

Answer 16

• ascertain strengths/weaknesses of performance
• continually weigh impact of issue on the larger process
• judgement as to underlying cause of poor function
• need to narrow–>most valuable intervention
• brevity is important as to not overload patient
• rationales for prioritizing corrections to increase function: relationship to previous actions, maximizing performance, order of difficulty, correct sequence, base of support, critical features first

Question 17

Intervention

Answer 17

• may involve the following
• provide the feedback to performer
• making technique changes
• other instructions to increase function

Question 18

Effective Qualitative Analysis

Answer 18

• is not multidisciplinary
• is interdisciplinary
• requires integration of knowledge of sub disciplines
• weakness in any 4 parts lessens effectiveness of QA as a whole

Question 19

Take Home Points

Answer 19

• quantitative and qualitative analysis are the main types of motion analysis at our disposal
• the four points of an integrated motion analysis model include: preparation, observation, evaluation/diagnosis, intervention
• most PT models include these 4 steps
• a systematic observation strategy (SOS) can help us organize and process what we see in our patients