Transitions between symmetrical and asymmetrical gaits: a biomechanical analysis

INTRODUCTION: Gallop is a skipping gait in which one leg (the leading leg) is continuously kept in front of the other (3). This type of locomotion occurs spontaneously in the development of locomotion in children (1) and occurs sometimes in adults when descending stairs or a slope at high speed (2). Although gallop is a naturally occurring human locomotion pattern, research on human gallop is limited. METHODS: Fifteen female subjects with homogeneous stature were selected. They were asked to walk, run and gallop at preferred speed and to perform multiple transitions from walking to running (WRT), galloping to running (GRT) and walking to galloping (WGT). Subjects were equipped with 59 reflective markers and performed the trials on an overground walkway with 6 built‐in forceplates and 12 infrared cameras (Pro Reflex, Qualisys). Kinematics and kinetics were calculated using commercial software (Visual 3D, C‐motion). RESULTS: Subjects consistently used the same leading leg during gallop. Joint kinematics and kinetics showed differences between the leading and trailing leg in gallop. Transition speed of GRT (3.83±0.34ms‐1) was significantly higher than transition speed of WGT (2.66±0.24ms‐1)(p