A typical walking gait pattern is dependent upon some key biomechanical characteristics that are referred to as the determinants of gait. The six determinants of gait were initially published by Saunders et al back in 1953, and have been generally embraced with many modifications and minor issues. The determinants of gait are viewed as crucial as they help maintain a much more efficient gait by the reducing the vertical center of mass movement that leads to a reduction in the metabolic energy needed for movement. The theory underpinning this is that a greater management of these kinds of determinants of gait contributes to a rise in energy conservation and much more economical motion. This theory which does underpin these determinants of gait happen to be in disagreement with the ‘inverted pendulum’ principle that considers the static stance leg acting as a pendulum which follows an arc. The biomechanics community will continue to debate the worthiness of these two theories.
The 6 determinants of gait and just how they affect the centre of mass (abbreviated as COM) movement as well as energy preservation are:
1. Pelvic rotation: The pelvis swivels side to side in the course of normal gait to aid in the advancement of the contralateral side via decreased hip flexion and extension. This has an effect on the reduction of metabolic energy along with the greater energy efficiency by reduction of the up and down center of mass motion.
2. Pelvic tilt: Throughout regular gait there is a dipping of the swing period aspect of the pelvis which is handled by the hip abductor muscles. This muscle motion reduces the raising of the center of mass through the changeover from hip flexion to extension. This can reduce the use of metabolic energy and increase energy preservation by reducing vertical COM movements.
3. Knee flexion during stance phase: The knee joint is extended at heel strike after which starts to flex when the foot is on the floor. This knee joint flexion will lower the pinnacle with the vertical trajectory of the center of mass resulting in some energy conservation.
4. Motion in the foot and ankle: The ankle joint rockers at heel contact and mid-stance results in a decline in COM movement via the shortening of the lower leg may play a role by reducing the center of mass up and down movement.
5. Knee movement: The movement of the knee joint is related to the ones from the ankle and foot motions and leads to the decrease in the COM up and down motion and results in decreases with the center of mass movement and energy cost.
6. Lateral displacement of the body: this lateral motion with the pelvis or a relative adduction of the hip is mediated with the influence of the tibiofemoral angle and also relative adduction of the hip joint to minimize up and down COM displacement. It is thought to be that this particular feature has an important role in ensuring the efficacy in normal walking.
These 6 determinants of gait are generally logically interesting as they help us concentrate on some key factors to hold the center of mass movement smooth and increase the efficiency of walking. However, some recent investigations questions if most or a number of the determinants are really that important in the overall scheme with the functions which happen during the walking cycle. Despite that looking at these types of determinants is fundamental in figuring out walking disability.
