Fast

GaitMat II uses USB or DMA (direct memory access) to provide a high speed link between the mat and the computer. This provides real-time display during data collection, and a high temporal resolution of 5 msec or better.

Rigid Substrate

The sensors of the GaitMat II mat are cemented to a rigid aluminum honeycomb substrate. This increases the dynamic performance of the measurement by insuring that no compliant elements are in series with the mat's sensors and the applied foot contact.

Graphical Data Editing

The algorithm implemented by the GaitMat II software automatically detects each footfall, and analyzes the resulting gait sequence. This algorithm automatically ignores most artifacts, and can handle most complex gait sequences. However, if the gait sequence is particularly complex, or complicated by artifacts that the algorithm can not automatically eliminate, the analysis can benefit by user intervention. The GaitMat II software includes powerful, graphical editing and visualization tools that give complete control over the raw data. Editing tools include tools for deleting/restoring switches, clustering switches into footprints, and identifying left/right footprints. Visualization tools allow the user to examine the automatic clustering, review the switch closer sequence, and view the raw switch close/open timing.

Flexible Database

GaitMat II results can be optionally stored in a Microsoft Access or Microsoft Excel database, included with the GaitMat II system. The flexibility of the database allows the user to add additional database columns or tables to store data from other measurement modalities. In this way, the GaitMat II database can be expanded to provide a complete laboratory database management system.

(Microsoft Access and Excel are components of the Microsoft Office Software Suite. The user must order these directly from an appropriate Microsoft product vendor.)

Portable

The GaitMat II mat separates into 4 sections, each of which is hinged in the center. The mat can be easily disassembled and stored in its carrying case in about 5 minutes. The packaged GaitMat II mat is 40" long by 18" wide by 12" high. It weighs 110 lbs in its container. The packaged mat is easily moved using a luggage dolly.