Gait Analysis 101
A High-Yield Guide for Students and Clinicians
Walking may look simple, but each step is a finely tuned performance of the brain, nerves, muscles, and joints. When something looks “off,” gait becomes a powerful clinical tool—giving us insight into neuromusculoskeletal function, compensations, and potential pathology.
This guide distills the fundamentals of observational gait analysis (OGA) into high-yield, exam-focused, and clinically relevant pearls for medical and naturopathic students.
Observational Gait Analysis 101
Why Gait Assessment Matters
Keywords: importance of gait analysis, clinical gait assessment, gait deviations, neuromusculoskeletal disorders
Dynamic window: Gait reflects the integration of neurological and musculoskeletal systems.
Diagnostic tool: Abnormal patterns hint at underlying impairments (neurological, muscular, orthopedic, or pain-related).
Treatment compass: Informs rehab strategies, referrals, assistive device use, and orthotic/prosthetic prescriptions.
Population relevance: From cerebral palsy and Parkinson’s disease to sports medicine and injury prevention.
Tracking progress: Evaluate effectiveness of interventions and outcomes over time.
Clinical Pearl: Gait analysis isn’t just about what you see—it’s about why the deviation is happening.
What We Observe in Gait
Keywords: gait observation checklist, gait cycle analysis, abnormal gait patterns, gait compensations
Foot-floor contact: Heel strike, toe-off, or abnormal sounds like foot slap.
Chain reactions: Compensations seen in trunk lean, arm swing, or head movement.
Asymmetries: Compare left vs. right side for timing and movement differences.
Variability vs. pathology: Differentiate healthy movement variation from abnormal gait.
The Gait Cycle Simplified
The Gait Cycle
Elements key in OGA highlighted in red.
Keywords: stance phase, swing phase, gait cycle basics, gait analysis for students
Stance Phase (≈60%): Initial contact → weight acceptance → single limb support → toe-off.
Swing Phase (≈40%): Limb advancement and foot clearance.
Where dysfunction shows up most: Transitions between stance and swing.
Common compensations:
Hip hiking
Circumduction
Vaulting
General Principles for Observation
Keywords: how to perform gait analysis, gait assessment for beginners, observational gait analysis tips
Start broad: Base of support, cadence, step length, foot progression angle.
Multiple planes: Watch in sagittal (side view) and coronal (front/back) planes.
Barefoot vs. shoes: Footwear can hide or exaggerate dysfunction.
Beginner tips:
Focus on one limb at a time
Watch multiple gait cycles
Use a systematic approach (foot-up or head-down)
Always look at the whole person
Pro tip: Video recording (slow motion, replay, zoom) makes OGA more reliable.
Resources
Key Takeaways
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Walking is one of the most complex motor skills—taking 7 years to fully develop.
OGA is an accessible, low-cost clinical skill for primary care and rehab.
Start broad, analyze systematically, and recognize compensations.
Always ask not just what the deviation is, but why it’s happening.
