What and Why’s of Gait Analysis explained
Walking is something the average Australian citizen is definitely not giving much attention to. It is one of the simplest acts that many of us do not pay heed to. Our most basic method of transport, but an inability to walk or be mobile can change a person's life drastically. This can impair our freedom, and can also cause major short- and long-term health issues. The inability to walk will create a drastic effect on your health and will ultimately affect you in both short and long terms.
Numerous individuals can move about with irregular or unbalanced step designs for a considerable length of time with no manifestations. In any case, when somebody encounters a physical issue or torment, a typical step can be modified, bringing about strange strolling that can prompt greater medical problems.
Individuals with an abnormality in their gait cycle may have multiple musculoskeletal issues, cardiovascular health problems, and mental health problems. This is the main reason that gait examination is important not only for athletes but also for an ordinary human being to maintain good health. An analysis of gait helps people recognise the problems a person has in their gait process and also helps to rectify any issues if they have any so that the person can lead a happier life.
For example:
Musculoskeletal problems (from altering movements to compensate for pain or discomfort)
Cardiovascular health issues (due to inactivity)
Mental health issues (depression, loss of independence, etc.)
Therefore it is important to examine gait. When we study how a person walks or runs, we can identify unique movements of individuals, determine normal patterns of gait, diagnose pain-causing problems, and also implement and evaluate treatments to correct anomalies.
The gait cycle: the basics
The movement of the body during walking is such that while the body moves forward, one of the legs supports the other leg while the other leg makes advanced preparations to fulfill its role as a support structure. It is referred to as the cycle of the gait. The cycle of the gait consists of two necessary steps; the stance and the swing.
10% of the gait cycle accounts for every double stance period, whereas 40% accounts for a single stance. Both of the legs never share the pressure equally when the double stance period is being covered.
A common misconception that many people have is that gait analysis only involves watching how people walk or run or even jog, but they fail to understand that this is something that they practice on a usual basis. There are plenty of times that we go to a shop, and the shopkeeper suggests we buy a shoe that is comfortable or will fit us better, and we still end up not buying the right shoe.
Modern advancements have made this scientific-based technique quicker and more precise. Hence the benefits of mere gait analysis can never be ignored since its ignorance can lead to many irreversible mental and physical conditions that will be more costly to treat than getting a gait analysis done.
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