The science of gait analysis has emerged due to the inability of the
human eye to measure objectively the many interrelated components
of the locomotion system (Brand & Crowninshield, 1981).
The word analysis comes from the Greek analyein and means to
break up (Websters Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary, 1983).
This is precisely what the discipline involves: using measurement
techniques to separate kinematic, kinetic, and other parameters describing
certain aspects of locomotion. This procedure has its merits
for specific applications such as the evaluation of a new surgical
technique: By using the tools of gait analysis one can objectively
compare specific facets of a patients walking pattern before and
after surgery. In this way, it is possible to avoid making comparisons
based only on subjective ideas and recollections of how the
patient used to walk.