Gait analysis Flashcards
Gait analysis definition
The manner of locomotion
Most often associated with walking and running
May include description of style, pace and pattern
Not just for humans
Types of gait analysis
Kinematics- video anaylsis, accelerometers, electrogoniometers Electromyography Computer modelling Kinetics GRF Pressure
Walking gait
A method of locomotion involving the use of 2 legs alternately to provide both support and propulsion, with at least one foot being in contact with the ground at all times
Single and double support phase
Gait cycle
From ground contact of one foot to ground contact of the same foot in the next step (first double support + single limb stance + second double support)
Step length
Distance from heel contact of one foot to heel contact of the other food
Stride length
Distance from heel contact of one foot to heel contact of the same foot
Walking base
Side to side distance between line of 2 feet
Toe out/in
Angle between direction of progression and midline of foot
Cadence
Number of steps.min
Stride rate
Number of strides/min (cadence)
Velocity
Distance covered by whole body in particular direction in given time
Velocity equations
V= (stride length x stride rate) / 60 V= stride length x cadence/ 120
Infants and children natural cadence
Rapid decrease from 223 at age 1 to 156 at age 12
Running definition
Same as walking but with no double support phase
Instead there is a flight phase between single support phases
(Both feet don’t touch the ground at the same time)
Lateral displacement of the CM
When standing on one leg, body shifts laterally over support foot so that the CM remains within the base of support and balance in maintained
To minimise lateral sway, the lateral distance between footsteps (base of gain) is minimised
Narrow gait is partially achieved anatomically by the inwards angle of the femur from hip to knee
Pronation
A combination of dorsiflexion, eversion and abduction, allowing foot to adapt to surface and absorb shock
Supination
Plantar flexion, inversion and adduction
Stabilises foot during push off
Over pronation
Link to stress fractures, medial tibial stress syndrome, patellofemoral pain, achilles tendon injuries, low back pain
Over suspension
Link to problems with cliotibial tract, lateral knee problems and lower back problems
Shoe design
VStiff heel counter- help rear foot motion
Sole thickness- influences shock absorption
Orthotics used to control motion, improve proprioception, realign body poison
Vertical ground reaction force
Increases the magnitude until approximately mid stance, the point of max
Impulsive load
Application of the vertical GRF
What was the issue with women’s heels?
Increases external knee varies torque and prolonged the external knee flexion
Increase in external knee torque- greater compressive force
What should be the goal of new footwear?
Reducing joint torque whilst providing meaningful footwear functions
Motion of the ankle
Allow the leg to rotate over the food
Difference between walking and running
No double support phase
Instead there is a flight phase between single support phase
