Kinematics and Kinetics: Technique and Mechanical Models

Abstract

Normal human gait is one of the most complex functions of the human body. Kinematics is the study of the motion of points, bodies, and systems of bodies without consideration of the causes of motion. Motion or movement can mean physical translation of either a person or a segment of a person through space. Kinetics is the study of forces acting on mechanisms. Together, kinematics and kinetics can be used to study human gait. Kinematic and kinetic quantification of subject specific variables can be effectively used in prevention, early diagnosis, intervention, and quantifying relevant outcomes. This chapter will focus on the techniques used for quantifying such variables and the mechanical models available for gait analysis.