Interpreting ground reaction forces in gait

Abstract

This chapter provides a description of ground reaction forces (GRFs) in gait, detailing the technology used to measure them and their use in gait analysis. Representative ground reaction force data is provided, and information on how data is analyzed and interpreted is discussed. In addition, examples of how GRF data has been used to gain an understanding of healthy and pathological gait (scoliosis, cerebral palsy, stroke, multiple sclerosis) are provided and discussed. This chapter highlights that the GRF is an essential part of any clinical gait analysis and contributes to both surgical and conservative clinical management involving gait.