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Gait Analysis

Quadriped locomotion can be compared to a symphony orchestra playing a composition.  "All parts must blend into a harmonious pattern, from the gentle sway of the head and tail for balance to the coordinated efforts of each limb and body muscle to accomplish its special function.  Conversely, also like an orchestra, if all movements are not attuned to the whole, a major fault should be evident" (Roy 1971) .

Cycle of Movement

The cycle of movement starts in the hindquarters.

• The hind leg is picked up, flexed and brought forward (swing), and then touches the ground (impact).
• During the support phase the leg bears weight, it is then straightened (extended) and by pushing against the ground (thrust), pushes the animal’s body forward by means of the back and trunk.
• Thrust begins the moment that the leg is vertical underneath the hind quarter and continues until the foot breaks ground.  The leg then flexes and prepares for the forward swing again.

 The back is somewhat like the drive shaft of a car, which transmits the pushing power of the hind limbs to the front of the body.  The animal’s back muscles work alternatively as the animal strides with each hind leg.

• Each side of the back rounds and rises as the hind leg on that side is engaged and grounded.
• As the hip rises, the abdominal muscles move the abdominal organs and ribs on the high side laterally to make room for the forward swing of the opposite leg.

The animal’s head and neck rise and flex, lower and extend in balancing gestures which help to shift the center of gravity and to extend and place the forelegs under the center of gravity.

At the same time the forelegs are picked up, flexed, brought forward (swing) and grounded (impact), and support the weight of the front end, then extended backward against the ground (thrust) until they break over and leave the ground for the next stride.

Engagement is the degree to which the hind leg reaches under the body.

• The farther the leg reaches, the longer the stride and the greater the pushing power.
• Engagement may be increased in one of two ways:

Swinging which is seen in horses that move long and low.  The hind leg is kept fairly straight.

Tucking which is seen in horses that work off of their hindquarters.  The horse flexes his loin and tucks the hindquarters underneath with more flexion in the hind legs.

Subjective gait analysis

Subjective gait analysis is the most common diagnostic tool to assess lameness.

It starts by observing the animal while it is at rest, looking for conformational abnormalities or abnormal stances.

• For example, does the animal seem to hold one leg up or put most of its body weight on a particular leg. After these observations are noted the animal is analyzed while moving.

The trot is the best gait to use for analysis, it gives the best picture of abnormal gait. If one of the segments is impaired the gait will be out of balance.

Before a clinician can perform a proper gait analysis, he/she must have a basic working knowledge of the different gaits in the species they are examining.

Gait Analysis Tools

Good eye

• Evaluator needs to be able to focus on the animal without being influenced by surroundings.
• Hind foot print should be in front of the ipsilateral front foot print.

If not short stride and poor impulsion.

• Practice

Good ears

• Listen to footfall

Heavy footfall, uneven beats.

The sound will be louder on the non lame limb.

• Listen to respirations

Grunts or heavy respirations when sore limb hits the ground.

Walk Beside

• Walk beside the horse and place your feet when it places it’s feet.  You will feel uneven stride in your pelvis.

Riding

• Good rider will feel restrictions in their body that mimic those in the horse that they are riding.

Video

• Regular speed may be difficult to see slight variations.
• Slow motion may be choppy.
• Animal Motion see our brochure on video gait analysis
• Space Jam Technology