LAREI

The Pathokinesiology Laboratory (PKLAB) at Rancho, sometimes referred to as the gait lab, was created to study human motion (Kinesiology) as it relates to pathological problems. A major focus has been gait analysis, however our clinical and research programs are not restricted to lower extremity function.

Our mission is to improve patient care for individuals who by birth or through disease or accident have sustained an injury to their neuromuscular system and are impaired in their ability to walk and in performing activities of daily living.

Rancho's Pathokinesiology Laboratory:

• Diagnoses abnormal joint motions and muscle activity patterns that limit the ability to walk in persons with polio, stroke, traumatic brain injury, cerebral palsy, spinal cord injury and myelomeningocele.

• Provides physicians and therapists with information necessary to devise individually-appropriate treatment plans to improve one's walking ability.
  
  
• Assesses wheelchair propulsion mechanics for persons with spinal cord injuries in order to relieve shoulder pain.

• Assesses the effectiveness of various types of orthoses and prostheses in improving a patient's walking ability.

• Conducts clinical research to address critical issues in rehabilitation medicine.