biomechanics and gait analysis basics

Question 1

What is the primary focus when monitoring gait in Parkinson’s Disease (PD)?

Answer 1

Monitoring axial movements better discriminates the pathology relative to movement of the feet.

This emphasizes the importance of upper body movements in gait analysis for PD.

Question 2

What role does arm swing play in human bipedal walking?

Answer 2

Arm swing reduces the angular momentum of the body, balancing the rotational motion produced during walking.

Each arm swings in opposition to the leg, contributing to stability.

Question 3

List the key points to observe in gait analysis.

Answer 3

• Stability in stance
• Foot clearance in swing
• Positioning for initial contact
• Adequate step length
• Energy conservation

These factors are crucial for assessing gait performance.

Question 4

What happens to ground contact time during the gait transition from walking to running?

Answer 4

Ground contact time decreases by approximately 35%.

This transition also involves a significant change in the dynamics of movement.

Question 5

How much does peak ground reaction force increase during the transition from walking to running?

Answer 5

Peak ground reaction force increases by approximately 50%.

This change reflects the increased intensity of muscle activation during running.

Question 6

What gait parameters change with increasing speed during walking and running?

Answer 6

• Increased step length
• Increased cycle duration
• Decreased stance duration

These parameters indicate adaptations in gait mechanics associated with speed.