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Elsevier

An Introduction to Gait Analysis

  • 4th Edition - December 8, 2006
  • Latest edition
  • Author: Michael W. Whittle
  • Editor: Michael W. Whittle
  • Language: English

Gait analysis is the systematic study of human walking. Most of the literature in this field is highly specialized and very technical. This book, however, aims to brings gait… Read more

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Description

Gait analysis is the systematic study of human walking. Most of the literature in this field is highly specialized and very technical. This book, however, aims to brings gait analysis out of the 'ivory tower' of the research laboratory, and to put it where it belongs, in the 'real world' of the clinic. The author has maintained the clear and approachable style that established the first three editions.

Key features

  • Highly readable, the book builds upon the basics of anatomy, physiology and biomechanics.
  • Describes both normal and pathological gait.
  • Covers the range of methods available to perform gait analysis, from the very simple to the very complex.
  • Emphasizes the clinical applications of gait analysis.

Table of contents

Basic sciencesAnatomyPhysiologyBiomechanicsReferences and suggestions for further reading

Normal gaitWalking and gaitHistoryTerminology used in gait analysisOutline of the gait cycleThe gait cycle in detailGround reaction forcesSupport momentEnergy consumptionOptimization of energy usageStarting and stoppingOther varieties of gaitGait in the youngGait in the elderlyReferences and suggestions for further reading

Pathological and other abnormal gaitsSpecific gait abnormalitiesWalking aidsAmputee gaitTreadmill gaitCommon pathologies affecting gaitReferences and suggestions for further reading

Methods of gait analysisVisual gait analysisGeneral gait parametersTiming the gait cycleDirect motion measurement systemsElectrogoniometersPressure beneath the footElectromyographyEnergy consumptionAccelerometersGyroscopesForce platformsKinematic systemsCombined kinetic/kinematic systemsReferences and suggestions for further reading

Applications of gait analysisClinical gait assessmentConditions benefiting from gait assessmentFuture developmentsConclusionReferences and suggestions for further reading

Gait assessment in cerebral palsyBasic physiology of movementThe causes of cerebral palsySpastic hemiplegiaSpastic diplegiaOther varieties of cerebral palsyCrouch gaitSpasticityLever arm dysfunctionGait patterns in cerebral palsyGait assessmentOverview of treatmentSummaryReferences and suggestions for further reading

Gait analysis data on CD-ROMComputer requirementsRunning the CDContents of the CDHow to use the Polygon viewerNotesAcknowledgements

Appendices1. Normal ranges for gait parameters2. Conversions between measurement units3. Sources of further information

GlossaryIndex

Review quotes

Now onto its fourth edition this text aims to cover the gait cycle down to a tee. It starts you off on the basics and gradually progresses in more depth. The subject of gait analysis is approached from a biomechanical point of view with a lot of joint angle analysis, levers and moments and quite a bit on the equipment used to analyse gait. At points you begin to feel like you are looking at a robot and you have to remind yourself that this is human gait analysis. There does not seem to be much coverage of observational gait analysis which is one fundamental part of physiotherapy practice. While this is generally a good book for gait analysis, for us, as physiotherapists, to benefit from it we may need to spend some time interpreting the text and applying it from a slightly different perspective.- Steve Canning, In Touch, Spring 2008, No. 122.

Product details

  • Edition: 4
  • Latest edition
  • Published: December 8, 2006
  • Language: English

About the editor

MW

Michael W. Whittle

Affiliations and expertise
Formerly Walter M. Cline Jr. Chair of Rehabilitation Technology, The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Chattanooga, TN, USA; Director, H. Carey Hanlin Motion Analysis Laboratory, The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Chattanooga, TN, USA; Formerly Acting Director, Oxford Orthopaedic Engineering Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK

About the author

MW

Michael W. Whittle

Affiliations and expertise
Formerly Walter M. Cline Jr. Chair of Rehabilitation Technology, The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Chattanooga, TN, USA; Director, H. Carey Hanlin Motion Analysis Laboratory, The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Chattanooga, TN, USA; Formerly Acting Director, Oxford Orthopaedic Engineering Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK

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