Gait Disorders
Chapter from the book:
Bilgili,
A.
(ed.)
2023.
International Studies in Health Sciences-IV.
Synopsis
To understand pathological gait, it is necessary to first understand normal gait because this provides a standard by which the patient's gait can be evaluated. Walking is a skill defined as a cyclic movement of the lower and upper extremities aimed at moving the body forward. A series of coordinated movements are used to move from one point to another while supporting and transferring the weight of the body. Human walking is defined as repetitive movement of body parts and is considered as periodic movement of body parts. The entire process of gait can be conveniently described using gait phases, facilitating a better understanding of periodic gait mechanisms. Dysfunctional gait occurs due to incorrect biomechanics. If it is not diagnosed in time and subsequent treatments are not followed, it can cause serious health problems. Gait parameters are considered to be very important for accurate analysis of gait. Therefore, in order to thoroughly analyze gait, a detailed understanding of these parameters is essential to the process. Gait pattern is the result of a complex interaction between many neuromuscular and structural elements of the locomotor system. Abnormal gait can result from disorder anywhere in this system, including the brain, spinal cord, nerves, muscles, joints, and skeleton. Abnormal gait may also result from the presence of pain. Therefore, although the person is physically capable of walking normally, he finds it more comfortable to walk in another way.