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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.

Methods: 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.

Discussion: 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 .