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can gain a little more height, which will allow the rigidly straightened
leg to pass the other one unhindered. There may also be slight though
noticeable lateral movement at the hips in the direction opposite to that of
the constrained leg, thereby raising slightly the side of the body with the
impeded leg.
In an unrestricted and regular walk, the pattern of spacing may be seen to
be the same for both sides of the body throughout the cycle. During an
asymmetrical gait, a distinct anomaly occurs in the dynamic, with the spacing
of the figure varying from one side from the other. If both legs were restricted
in a similar manner, a symmetrical albeit rather awkward action would once
again be evident and no anomaly would appear.
Walking with an Aid
People that walk using aids such as crutches, sticks, and walkers may use
other parts of their bodies to support or at least to aid in support during
locomotion. This may result in either a symmetrical or asymmetrical action,
depending on whether there are one or two crutches being used or a walking
aid such as a geriatric walker.
The use of a single crutch results in an exaggerated asymmetrical
movement with a good deal of lateral movement; the use of two crutches
results in a forward swinging action of the entire figure. The walking action
using two crutches may be divided into distinct parts or phases. In one
phase we can see that the figure's support is maintained by the leg or legs
while the crutches are swung to the forward position. During the following
phase the figure's weight is transferred to the arms via the crutches before
the legs are then swung together as a pair, meeting the ground at a position
just forward of the crutches. Once the feet are firmly on the ground, the
crutches are once more lifted and moved forward as part of the following
phase.
FIG 5.45 Young man walking on
crutches.
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