Enhanced Gait Analysis

About the Graphs & Parameters

The graphs above provide a comprehensive visualization of lower limb biomechanics throughout the gait cycle:

• Ankle Flexion (deg): Illustrates the angular movement of the ankle joint. Positive values denote dorsiflexion (toes move closer to the shin), while negative values represent plantarflexion (toes point downward). During stance, there is a slight dorsiflexion, transitioning to plantarflexion at push-off. In swing, the ankle dorsiflexes again to clear the ground and prepares for the next contact.
• Ankle Moment (Nm/kg): Shows the rotational force at the ankle. Positive values indicate a plantarflexor moment, negative values a dorsiflexor moment. A significant plantarflexor moment appears during push-off, reflecting the calf muscles' role in propulsion.
• Knee Flexion (deg): Depicts knee bending and straightening. Higher values mean greater flexion. Early stance shows slight flexion for impact absorption, followed by extension. In swing, the knee flexes to clear the foot, then extends for the next step.
• Knee Moment (Nm/kg): Represents rotational forces at the knee. A peak extensor moment occurs in early stance for weight acceptance, with a flexor moment during swing.
• Hip Flexion (deg): Shows the hip's angular position. Positive values mean flexion (thigh toward torso), negative values indicate extension (thigh backward). The hip extends in stance and flexes in swing to advance the leg.
• Hip Moment (Nm/kg): Displays rotational forces at the hip. A large extensor moment is seen in late stance for propulsion, and a flexor moment in swing for leg advancement.

Below the graphs, numerical readouts provide additional quantitative information:

• Speed (m/s): How fast the leg is moving.
• Cadence (steps/min): Number of steps per minute.
• Stride Length (m): Distance covered in one full gait cycle.
• Stance Time (%): Percentage of the gait cycle with foot contact.

Together, these measurements provide a detailed understanding of the leg's biomechanics during walking or running.

Note: In the animation above, the skeletal foot does not visually touch the ground— instead, a small gray oval beneath the leg represents ground contact. This means our animated skeleton appears to float just above the surface, as if performing an invisible moonwalk!

Enhanced Features

This improved gait analysis tool provides advanced visualization capabilities with enhanced interactivity, modern UI design, and comprehensive biomechanical insights.

New Capabilities

• Enhanced 3D Visualization: Improved skeletal model with better proportions and realistic joint movements
• Real-time Statistics: Live calculation of gait parameters including speed, cadence, stride length, and stance time
• Phase Detection: Automatic identification of stance and swing phases with visual indicators
• Improved Graphs: Better scaling, grid lines, and enhanced visual feedback with hover effects
• Modern UI: Glassmorphism design with smooth animations and responsive layout
• Enhanced Interactivity: Better touch support and keyboard shortcuts for precise control
• Performance Optimized: Smoother animations with optimized rendering and reduced computational overhead

Controls & Navigation

• Play/Pause: Click the play button or press spacebar to control animation
• Scrubbing: Drag the progress slider or click on any graph to jump to specific time points
• Keyboard Shortcuts: Use arrow keys for frame-by-frame analysis, spacebar for play/pause
• Reset: Return to the beginning of the gait cycle at any time
• Demo Mode: Automated tour showcasing all interactive features

Technical Improvements

• Responsive Design: Optimized for all screen sizes from mobile to desktop
• Accessibility: Enhanced keyboard navigation and screen reader support
• Performance: Efficient rendering with requestAnimationFrame and canvas optimization
• Data Accuracy: More realistic biomechanical data based on published research

Future Directions

• Multi-Limb and Full-Body Simulation: Expand the model to include both lower and upper limbs for comprehensive gait and posture analysis.
• Custom Data Import: Allow users to upload and visualize their own gait or motion capture data.
• Pathological Gait Patterns: Simulate and compare common gait abnormalities (e.g., hemiplegic, Parkinsonian, ataxic gait).
• Machine Learning Integration: Incorporate predictive analytics for gait event detection and classification.
• Export & Reporting: Enable export of analysis results and visualizations for research or clinical use.
• Collaborative Features: Add annotation tools and sharing options for educational and research collaboration.
• Mobile Optimization: Further enhance touch controls and performance for mobile and tablet devices.