The common perception that men and women walk differently has been supported by numerous studies in both psychology and human perception. However, have you ever wondered why do men and women move differently?
Gait is the pattern of strides we take as we walk inovling lim movements made during locomotion. Undeniably, many individuals say that our gait is solely unique to us. So let’s find out why…
Our legs are just like the pendulum in a grandmother clock. The muscles contract to allow the bones to move, swinging under the force of gravity at a certain rate which is dependent on the length of swing. From here, stride length can be worked out which proceeds the gait analysis. Hence, each individual’s gait is unique because, of course, people are not a perfect pendulum. Therefore, the way you differ from the pendulum is your gait signature.
Interestingly, doctors use this information to aid people who may be recovering from an injury or who may have a prosthetic limb. While, others such as elite sportsmen and women use gait analysis to improve their stride pattern or leg action so that they can push boundaries to be better at their sport
Fortunately, one way we can understand walking patterns better is by only focusing on the movements of the joints instead of the body as a whole. To do this, individuals can attach lights (or sensors) to the shoulders, hips, knees, and feet. Thus, when we turn of the lights, we get a “point-light display”. As a result, before the walker moves, the light may look randomly placed. However, when the walker moves, one can instantly observe that the walker is a individual.
Male Point-Light-Walker, March 14, 2011, Genestonest
And so, gait is a person’s unique pattern of walking. Indeed, through gait, we can tell the difference between why men and women move differently. As men do swing more from the shoulders and women do swing more from the hips when they walk. Yet, how would things change for a 4-legged animal rather than a 2-legged being?
I think understanding what gait analysis is and why it is important allows people to easily identify an individual’s unique movements. Gait analysis is so beneficial because it can determine diagnose issues causing pain, and also implement treatments to correct abnormalities.
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