What is gait analysis & why Is it Important?
Gait or walking pattern is the way a person walks from one place to another; in other words, it is the manner or style of walking. Gait analysis is a group of tests designed to provide a comprehensive assessment of a person's gait. It is a systematic study of human movement that involves observation and the use of instruments to measure body movement, muscle activity and body mechanics. It aims to detect any abnormalities in movement. In the past, this work has been done through the observation of a person's gait cycle by healthcare practitioners. This type of gait analysis lacked the accuracy needed to identify all gait disorders. Today, it is done by precise instruments such as gait analysers.
Content Table:
●What is normal gait / abnormal gait?
●The Importance of Gait Analysis
●Benefits of gait analysis
●What are the factors affecting gait pattern and analysis?
What is normal gait / abnormal gait?
Normal gait is a series of rhythmic alternating movements of the trunk and limbs that result in a forward movement of the centre of gravity. It is characterised by a smooth, co-ordinated and efficient stride that enables an individual to walk with ease and maintain balance.
Gait abnormalities or walking abnormalities occur when an individual is unable to move properly. Injuries, joint pain, basic movement problems, abnormalities in the skeletal system or defects in the lower legs and feet can cause this condition.
The Importance of Gait Analysis
Gait analysis is important for detecting musculoskeletal problems, assessing functional movement, evaluating the risk of falls, monitoring treatment progress, identifying neurological conditions and providing personalised rehabilitation. It can help healthcare professionals gain a deeper understanding of an individual's physical health, enabling them to develop targeted interventions to optimise mobility and overall health.
Performing a gait analysis is an excellent way to alleviate everyday pain, whether a person is an athlete or not. It will uncover a person's stride length, unusual head or arm positions, and any other issues present in a person's walking pattern. Additionally, if a person is an athlete, this analysis can help them find foot orthotics, the right shoes, and an exercise routine to keep their body in tip-top shape.
Benefits of gait analysis
The other areas in which it has advantages include:
1. Physiotherapists can learn a lot about you from your gait. Muscle weakness, limited range of motion, balance deficits and posture can all be apparent in the way you walk. Importantly, gait can also be an indicator of increased risk of falls and certain neurological conditions, so you can see its importance. Unfortunately, it is often underestimated and not assessed thoroughly enough.
2. Rehabilitation and therapy: Gait analysis plays a vital role in the rehabilitation process. It helps healthcare providers develop tailored treatment plans for individuals recovering from injury or undergoing physical therapy. Therapists can identify specific areas of weakness and implement appropriate exercises or interventions to improve function by assessing gait mechanics.
3. Performance Enhancement: Gait analysis is not limited to injury prevention and rehabilitation; it is also valuable for optimising sports performance. Trainers and coaches can analyse an athlete's gait to identify areas of inefficiency or need for improvement, and then develop a targeted training programme to increase efficiency, strength and speed to improve sports and athletic performance.
4. Orthotics and prosthetics: Gait analysis plays a critical role in ensuring proper fit and function for individuals requiring orthotic or prosthetic devices. Healthcare professionals can design and customise these devices by assessing gait mechanics to improve mobility, comfort and overall quality of life.
5. Research: Gait analysis is the basis for research in fields such as biomechanics, rehabilitation science and sports medicine. Gait analysis continues to contribute to our better understanding of human movement through ongoing research and technological advances that lead to innovations in therapeutic techniques, device design, and rehabilitation strategies.
What are the factors affecting gait pattern and analysis?
There are several factors that can impact a person’s gait, and it is crucial to consider these for an accurate gait analysis.
Gender, age, height and weight all affect how a person moves. Males and females typically have different gait patterns and their structure and movement may change as they age. In addition, excess weight or body composition can affect posture and gait mechanics.
Footwear and clothing: The type of shoes worn and clothing choices can affect gait. Ill-fitting shoes, such as those that are too tight, too loose, or lack adequate support, can alter gait mechanics. Similarly, clothing that restricts movement can affect natural walking patterns.
Ground and environmental factors: The surface or ground a person walks on can affect their gait. Uneven surfaces, slopes, stairs, or slippery paths can affect balance, stride length, and overall gait quality. In addition, carrying items such as bags or backpacks can cause changes in posture and gait mechanics.
Physiological factors: Individual physiological factors, including body proportions and joint mobility, can affect gait. These factors can affect stride length, stride frequency and overall biomechanics during walking.
Psychological factors, such as a person's mental state, mood, stress levels and personality traits, can affect gait. Anxiety, fear or distraction may lead to altered gait patterns or cautious movements.
Pathological factors: underlying health conditions or pathologies, such as neurological disorders, psychiatric disorders, previous trauma, or musculoskeletal abnormalities, can significantly affect gait. These conditions may result in muscle weakness, impaired balance, altered joint mechanics, or compensatory patterns when walking.
Considering these factors during gait analysis ensures a comprehensive evaluation and provides valuable insights into an individual’s unique gait characteristics.
Conclusion
Gait analysis is a thorough evaluation that looks beyond basic walking patterns. Its importance lies in its ability to identify neurological abnormalities, provide individualized therapy, monitor treatment progress, assess fall risk, and detect musculoskeletal problems. We can improve our general health, athletic performance, and quality of life for those with particular needs by recognizing the significance of gait analysis and its various applications.