Strategies for clinical motion analysis based on functional decomposition of the gait cycle

In this article the authors have developed a strategy for clinical gait analysis that takes advantage of the functional subdivisions that naturally occur during the gait cycle. By organizing the contributions of several investigators, the authors have identified the important critical events that must occur during each phase of gait and related those features to specific gait measurements that are routinely available from modern motion analysis laboratories. In addition, the authors have provided examples of how findings from a motion laboratory can be used to suggest possible interventions that can improve or restore absent or abnormal critical events, thereby improving the overall gait performance of the patient with gait pathology. While this condensed version of motion analysis strategies is not sufficiently comprehensive to address all individuals who have gait pathology, the authors hope that it serves as a suitable introduction to this challenging field.