Normal Gait

Normal gait is characterized by several key principles: safety, energy efficiency, and adaptability to different needs. Achieving these principles requires a combination of factors related to balance, kinematics, and kinetics. Safe gait relies on good balance and postural stability. This involves maintaining equilibrium throughout the gait cycle to prevent falls and injuries. Several mechanisms are employed to reduce the energy cost of gait, including the conversion of energy, the minimizing of movement of center of mass, the optimization of muscle contraction, and energy storage and release. During the gait cycle, joint angles and muscle actions repeat at specific times. Understanding the gait cycle, including the motion of body segments and the activation of muscles throughout its phases, is crucial for effective gait training.