ABSTRACT
Gait refers to animal locomotion. Bipedal movement with reciprocal support and propulsion stages typifies human gait. Normally, gait is a very fluid and efficient process that expends the least amount of energy. The gait pattern must ensure safety for the walker as well as provide energy absorption to prevent injuries. It must also provide stability to allow propulsion through the efficient deployment of lever arms. Normal walking has several attributes, as proposed by Gage1 (Box 60.1). Saunders and Inman2 have described five determinants of gait that produce a dampening down of excessive vertical and lateral movements of the trunk seen with normal gait (Box 60.2). Pathological gait, on the other hand, is inefficient, laborious and often painful. There are many conditions that can lead to the development of pathological gait, and examples of these will be described.
