What is Gait and Gait Cycle?
Gait is referred to “…someone’s manner of ambulation or locomotion, involves the total body. Gait speed determines the contribution of each body segment. Normal walking speed primarily involves the lower extremities, with the arms and trunk providing stability and balance.
The gait cycle is a repetitive pattern involving steps and stride.
What is the need for Gait assessment?
When there is an altered gait pattern due to deformities, weakness or other impairments, for example, loss of motor control or pain it is referred to as Pathological Gait. Alterations can broadly be divided into neurological or musculoskeletal cause.
The assessment of the gait cycle is important in the biomechanical mobility examination to gain information about lower limb dysfunction in dynamic movement and loading
It can be
- Subjective
- Objective
What is Gait Training?
Gait training is a type of physical therapy. It can help improve your ability to stand and walk. Your doctor may recommend gait training if you’ve had an illness or injury that affects your ability to get around. It may help you gain independence in walking, even if you need an adaptive device.
How Gait Training helps?
- Strengthen your muscles and joints
- Improve your balance and posture
- Build your endurance
- Develop your muscle memory
- Retrain your legs for repetitive motion
- Lower your risk of falls, while increasing your mobility
Who can get benefit from Gait Training?
The following conditions can lead to difficulties with walking:
- spinal cord injuries
- broken legs or pelvis
- joint injuries or replacements
- lower limb amputations
- strokes or neurological disorders
- muscular dystrophy or other musculoskeletal disorders
Children who require gait therapy often have brain injuries, neurological disorders, or musculoskeletal issues. Their doctors may recommend gait therapy before or after they start walking.