Introduction
Gait analysis is the systematic study of human walking patterns, focusing on biomechanical and
neurological aspects of movement. It is widely used in clinical settings to diagnose gait
abnormalities and optimize rehabilitation strategies. This report explores the key components of
gait analysis, including kinematic and kinetic analysis, the phases of gait, and a detailed table of
joint motion and muscle activity.
Methods of Gait Analysis
Gait analysis can be divided into two main approaches: kinematic analysis and kinetic analysis.
1. Kinematic Analysis
Kinematic analysis examines motion without considering forces. It includes:
• Joint angles: Measuring angular changes in hip, knee, and ankle during gait.
• Segment trajectories: Tracking body segment movements.
• Step parameters: Including stride length, cadence, and velocity.
• Tools used: Motion capture systems (e.g., Vicon, Qualisys), goniometers, and video
analysis.
2. Kinetic Analysis
Kinetic analysis evaluates the forces responsible for movement. It includes:
• Ground Reaction Forces (GRF): Measured using force plates to assess foot pressure.
• Joint moments and power: Estimating the forces acting on joints.
• Muscle forces: Using electromyography (EMG) to analyze muscle activation.
• Tools used: Force plates, EMG systems, and inverse dynamics modeling.
Phases of the Gait Cycle
The gait cycle consists of two primary phases: stance phase (60%) and swing phase (40%).
Stance Phase
1. Initial Contact (Heel Strike): The foot first contacts the ground.
2. Loading Response (Foot Flat): Weight acceptance and shock absorption.
3. Midstance: The body moves over the supporting limb.
4. Terminal Stance (Heel Off): Heel lifts off the ground.
5. Pre-Swing (Toe Off): The toes leave the ground.
Swing Phase
1. Initial Swing: The foot leaves the ground and accelerates forward.
2. Mid-Swing: The limb advances while maintaining ground clearance.
3. Late Swing (Deceleration): The foot prepares for the next stance phase.
Kinematics and Muscle Activity Table
The table below outlines joint motion and muscle activation during different gait phases.
Knee
Phase Ankle Motion Hip Motion Muscle Action
Motion
Initial Dorsiflexors (eccentric), Knee
Neutral (0°) 5° Flexion 30° Flexion
Contact extensors (eccentric)
Loading Plantarflexion Gradual Dorsiflexors (eccentric),
15° Flexion
Response (10°) Extension Quadriceps (eccentric)
Dorsiflexion (5- Plantarflexors (eccentric), Knee
Midstance Extension Extension
10°) extensors (concentric)
Terminal Dorsiflexion Max 10° Plantarflexors (eccentric to
Stance (max 10°) Extension Extension concentric)
Plantarflexion Rapid Flexion Plantarflexors (concentric), Hip
Pre-Swing
(15°) Flexion Initiated flexors (concentric)
Dorsiflexors (eccentric to
Plantarflexion Gradual
Initial Swing 60° Flexion concentric), Hamstrings
(20°) Flexion
(concentric)
Extension Dorsiflexors (concentric), Knee
Mid-Swing Neutral (0°) 30° Flexion
Initiation flexors (eccentric)
Full Dorsiflexors (concentric), Knee
Late Swing Neutral (0°) 30° Flexion
Extension extensors (eccentric to concentric)
Clinical Significance of Gait Analysis
Gait analysis is essential for diagnosing movement disorders such as:
• Neurological conditions: Stroke, Parkinson’s disease, cerebral palsy.
• Musculoskeletal disorders: Osteoarthritis, hip/knee replacements, ligament injuries.
• Sports performance optimization: Preventing injuries and enhancing biomechanics.
Conclusion
Gait analysis provides critical insights into human locomotion, aiding in the diagnosis and
rehabilitation of gait abnormalities. The combined use of kinematic and kinetic analysis ensures
a comprehensive understanding of walking mechanics, facilitating improved treatment strategies.
References
1. Perry, J., & Burnfield, J. M. (2010). Gait Analysis: Normal and Pathological Function.
SLACK Incorporated.
2. Whittle, M. W. (2014). Gait Analysis: An Introduction. Elsevier Health Sciences.
3. Winter, D. A. (2009). Biomechanics and Motor Control of Human Movement. Wiley.
4. Baker, R. (2013). Measuring Walking: A Handbook of Clinical Gait Analysis. Mac Keith
Press.
5. Physio-Pedia. (n.d.). The Gait Cycle. Retrieved from https://www.physio-
pedia.com/The_Gait_Cycle
