Gait analysis
/ɡeɪt/ /ʌnælʌsʌs/
1. [noun] gait analysis: evaluation of the manner or style of walking, usually done by observing the individual walking naturally in a straight line. The normal forward step consists of two phases: the stance phase, during which one leg and foot are bearing most or all of the body weight, and the swing phase, during which the foot is not touching the walking surface and the body weight is borne by the other leg and foot. In a complete two-step cycle both feet are in contact with the floor atthe same time for about 25 per cent of the time. This part of the cycle is called the double-support phase. An analysis of each component of the three phases of ambulation is an essential part of the diagnosis of various neurologic disorders and the assessment of patient progress during rehabilitation and recovery from the effects of a neurologic disease, a musculoskeletal injury or disease process, or amputation of a lower limb. See: https://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/gait ; Accessed June 17 2019. See also: Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Skip Backward Mute Current Time 0:00 / Duration 23:14 Loaded : 0.00% 00:00 Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 23:14 1x Playback Rate 2x 1.75x 1.5x 1.25x 1x , selected 0.75x 0.5x Chapters Chapters Descriptions descriptions off , selected Captions captions settings , opens captions settings dialog captions off , selected Audio Track Picture-in-Picture Fullscreen This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Text Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Caption Area Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. ; Youtube - Gait Assessment - Normal Gait and Common Abnormal Gaits
Source: https://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/gait
Frequently Asked Questions
How does observing the transition from support to lift-off reveal details about foot function?
Gait analysis carefully examines how the foot moves from bearing weight in the stance phase to swinging forward. This transition, including the moment when both feet are on the ground, helps highlight differences in balance and coordination during a regular walking cycle.
In what ways does the double-support phase contribute to understanding walking balance?
The double-support phase, when both feet are in contact with the floor, offers insights into how weight is shared between feet. This interval is key to assessing balance and overall stability during walking, providing clues about coordinated foot and ankle movement.
Why is distinguishing the stance and swing phases beneficial for analyzing walking patterns?
Identifying the stance phase, where the foot supports most of the body weight, versus the swing phase, when the foot moves forward without contact, helps professionals understand how the foot and ankle perform during walking. This differentiation is essential in spotting variations in gait mechanics.