Reconsidering the Six Determinants of Gait

Abstract

The six major determinants of gait, as proposed by Saunders et al., were reviewed. The results showed that each of the first three determinants(pelvic rotation, pelvic list, and stance phase knee flexion)have only a minor effect on decreasing the vertical displacement of the center of gravity (COG). The major determinant of COG displacement is heel rise, and the second is the inclination of the lower extremity in the stance phase. In spite of the assumption that decreasing the COG displace- ment decreases gait energy consumption, the energy required for walking with a flat COG trajectory increased dramatically. Therefore, the major gait determinants as defined by Saunders et al. should be corrected in terms of both the COG displacement and energetics.