Analysis of gait

Kinematics Analysis

Definition:
It is a branch of mechanics which deals with description of motion without referring to it causes. So, it is a descriptive of geometrical analysis.

Parameters: 1. Spatial parameter: (Distance)

1) Step length. 2) Stride length. 3) Stride length to lower extremity length ratio. 4) Base of support. 5) Step or stride width. 6) Foot angle (degree of toe out.)

2. Temporal parameter: (Time)

1) Step time. 2) Stride time. 3) Stance duration. 4) Swing duration. 5) Swing / stance ratio. 6) Speed, distance time. 7) Cadence, steps / min.

3. Angular displacement.

Spatial parameter (Distance dimension)

Evaluation:
It can be done via foot print using tape measurement, water, protractor, marks. Then draw a line of progression which is a hypothetical line corresponding with the direction of walking.

Measurement of spatial parameters:

1- Step length: It is the linear distance in the plane of progression between two successive points of foot floor contact of the opposite feet. (Approximately = 70 cm + 10 cm) 2- Stride length: It is the linear distance in the plane of progression between two successive points of foot floor contact of the same foot. (Approximately = 150 cm + 15 cm) One stride = 2 steps in one gait cycle)

3- Stride length/ Lower Extremity length ratio SL/ LEL ratio: It is the ratio between stride length and lower extremity length. (Nearly = 1.7 0.12)

 Lower extremity length: is measured by tape measurement from greater trochanter to lateral maleollus. 4. Stride or step width: It is the distance between two lines cutting feet equal halves (8 cm 3.5 cm = 10 15 cm) 5. Base of support: (BOS) It is the area over which the body is supported or assumed.

Dimensions
a- Longitudinal dimension: The longitudinal distance between the two furthest points of two opposite feet from heel of right foot to toes of left foot. b- Horizontal dimension: The horizontal distance between the two furthest points of two opposite feet from lateral border of right foot to lateral border of left foot. 6. Foot angle: It is the angle between 2 lines: First line is extending from second toe to the heel center. Second line is the line of progression or parallel to it (7o -10o up to 20o.

2, Temporal Parameter (Time dimension)

Evaluation: can be done by using a stop watch.

Measurement of temporal parameters:

1. Step time: It is time interval between successive instant of foot floor contact of the opposite feet. (0.8 sec.) 2. Stride time: It is the time interval between successive instant of foot floor contact of the same foot. (1.09 o.o6 sec = 1.6 sec)

3. Stance duration: It is the time while the foot is in contact with the floor.
4. Swing duration: It is the time while the foot is not in contact with the floor. (0.4 sec.)

5. Swing / stance ratio: It is the ratio between swing time and stance time (57 + 0.02) 6. Speed: It is distance / time. In male: 89 meter/min. In female: 74 meter/min. (45 cm / sec) 7. Cadence: It means number of steps per unit time. (11o + 6 steps /min) Slow: 60 70 Steps / min. Medium: 80 90 Steps / min. Fast:120 Steps / min.