Definition:
Gait is the manner or style of walking. There are many types of gait.
Examples include:
Antalgic Gait:
painful gait, a limp is adopted to avoid pain on weight bearing structures (hip, knee, ankle)
Ataxic Gait:
an unsteady, uncoordinated walk, a wide base of support is seen. normally due to cerebellar disease
Festinating Gait:
short, accelerating steps are used to move forward, often seen in people with Parkinson's disease
Four Point Gait:
utilized by crutch users, first on crutch, then the opposite leg followed by the other crutch and then the other leg
Hemiplegic Gait:
involves flexion of the hip because of inability to clear the toes from the floor at the ankle and cirumduction at the hip
Spastic Gait:
walk in which the legs are held close together and move in a stiff manner. often due to central nervous system injuries