Stride analysis was used to detect early post-operative differences in walking ability between patients who received a hip replacement using the relatively new minimally invasive technique and the traditional technique. Conclusions The minimally invasive group did not display any statistically significant improvement in the gait parameters under investigation, thereby suggesting no short-term post-operative benefit to walking ability using this new surgical technique. Further study needs to

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... tify any specific economic benefits that this new technique may offer the health service. S1.2: The body position of six-year-old children during walking Summary The paper is devoted to the position of the body during normal walking of 33 6-year-old girls and boys. The angular position of consecutive segments of trunk and head were described in the sagittal plane and also the position of the gleno-humeral joint in relation to the trunk. The children exhibited a forward positioning of the abdomen and frequently a downward inclination of the neck with the head inclined upward. Only two children had the shoulders positioned significantly forward. Conclusions The investigation of posture in a static situation is only one way to monitor children's health. An investigation carried out while performing a function, here during normal walking, is an important additional test and one which must be used for all small children. References [1] Watson AWS, Mac Donncha C. A reliable technique for the assessment criteria for aspects of posture.