Prosthetic Gait Analysis
Systematic evaluation of a prosthesis user's walking pattern using observational, instrumented, or computerised methods to identify deviations and guide alignment adjustments.
Full Definition
Prosthetic gait analysis encompasses both observational assessments performed clinically and laboratory-based instrumented evaluations using force plates, motion capture, and electromyography. The goal is to identify gait deviations attributable to prosthetic componentry, socket fit, alignment, or patient neuromuscular factors. In clinical documentation, results are reported as qualitative descriptors or quantitative metrics such as cadence, step length, and symmetry ratio. Editors should note that 'gait analysis' alone is ambiguous and should be qualified with 'prosthetic' when the context is specific to prosthesis users. The term should not be used interchangeably with 'gait training', which refers to therapeutic intervention rather than assessment.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish clearly from 'gait training' (therapeutic) and 'gait deviation' (a specific observed abnormality).
In Context
- "Prosthetic gait analysis revealed a lateral trunk lean consistent with an excessively high prosthetic foot." — Prosthetic clinic assessment report
- "The author incorrectly used 'gait analysis' and 'gait training' interchangeably; both terms were disambiguated during copyediting." — Editorial correction note