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Physiotherapy vocabulary · Gait, Mobility and Walking Aids

Gait

Meaning in physiotherapy, with examples

/ɡeɪt/nounCore term

In physiotherapy, gait means: The way a person walks, including the pattern of their steps, their speed and balance, and how the legs and arms move.

In Turkish: yürüyüş, yürüme paterni

How it is used

A clinical word; patients just say 'walking'. Physiotherapists observe, analyse and retrain gait and describe it in notes, for example 'antalgic gait' (limping to avoid pain) or 'shuffling gait' in Parkinson's disease. A gait cycle runs from one heel strike to the next heel strike of the same foot.

Example sentences

  1. Gait analysis showed she was not putting full weight through her right leg.

  2. We'll work on your gait so you stop limping.

Common collocations

  • gait analysis
  • gait pattern
  • antalgic gait
  • gait re-education
  • gait cycle
  • mobilityA person's ability to move around, such as getting out of bed, standing up and walking; also how freely a joint or part of the body can move.
  • balanceThe ability to keep the body steady and upright, whether standing still or moving, without falling.
  • weight-bearingPutting some or all of your body weight through a leg (or arm), especially when the amount allowed is limited after an injury or operation.
  • walking frameA light metal frame with four legs, sometimes with wheels, that a person holds with both hands for support while walking.

More terms: Gait, Mobility and Walking Aids

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This page explains English vocabulary for learners. It is not medical advice.