Abstract

CAMARA, Jesús. Gait analysis: phases and spatio-temporal variables. Entramado [online]. 2011, vol.7, n.1, pp.160-173. ISSN 1900-3803.

The gait is defined as a bipedal mode of locomotion formed by a succession of single-and double-leg support periods enabling the displacement of the center of gravity of the human body with a smaller energy cost than any other form of human locomotion. The basic walking cycle is formed by the stride. Analysis of the spatio-temporal variables makes it possible to perform a detailed study of this mode of locomotion. There is a plethora of scientific studies analyzing spatio-temporal gait variables, such as length and duration of step and stride, support and swing times, and cadence and walking speed. The aims of this study are to present the most relevant information about the phases into which the gait can be divided, and to identify the spatio-temporal variables used for gait analysis. Spatio-temporal analysis has been shown to be a valid method of providing a detailed study of gait.

Keywords : Biomechanics; shoe condition; step; walking velocity; stride.