The Critical Analysis Of The Paradigms Associated With Normal Human Gait

The Critical Analysis of the Paradigms associated with Normal Human Gait
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Introduction
The human foot is a complex structure consisting of bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, intrinsic, extrinsic muscles, nerves, and blood vessels, all playing a crucial role in the biomechanical function of the lower limb. These components of the foot structure provide the foundation of support while one is standing, walking, and running. The foot behaves like a spring by storing and releasing energy by use of the extrinsic and intrinsic muscles in the arch (McKeon, Hertel, Bramble and Davis, 2014). According to McKeon, Hertel, Bramble and Davis (2014), arch stability is a core element for the effective and efficient functioning of the foot. In addition, according to Petcu Daniel and Anca Colda (2012), the foundation of gait analysis study is based on the proposed paradigms of foot function by the association between the function of anatomical segments considered and the relevant structure.
According to Daniel and Colda (2012), the most recognised paradigms are the Neutral Position of the Subtalar Joint developed by Merton Root, Sagittal Plane Facilitation Theory developed by Haward Dananberg, Tissue Stress Theory developed by McPoil and Hunt (1995), and Neuromechanical theory developed by Benno Nigg. The modelling of lower limb biomechanics is initiated by clinical reflection on the gait followed by gait analysis, kinetic and kinematic intricacy using multiple sets and models (Daniel, Colda, 2012). Daniel and Colda (2012) suggest that podiatrists need to understand the structure of the foot and the kinetics and kinematics of normal human gait. This enables them to assess, diagnose and treat any medical conditions of the foot, ankle and lower extremity. This essay will critically analyse the different methods of gait analysis and paradigms in a chronological manner associated with normal human gait starting with the Root’s paradigm to the most recent theories. These paradigms will also be compared and contrasted critically for the better understanding of podiatrists under the normal functioning of the foot and ankle. The first area of discussion is Gait analysis.
Gait Analysis
Human gait can be defined literally as locomotion that comes as a result of movement of human limbs. Human beings possess the ability to walk upright on two legs or rather referred to as bipedalism (Arundhati G Thakurta, Rauf Iqbal, Shreya Maulik, 2016). According to Thakuta, Igbal, and Maulik (2016), alternating movements of sinuous of different sections of the body occur during the gait process. Differences in movement patterns of limbs, general velocity, varied forces, energy in motion and potential energy and also variations in surface contact characterise the various gait patterns (Thakuta et al., 2016). Studies indicate that there are changes in the activities of muscles with a variation of gait pattern in varying situations. Thakuta et al (2016) further suggest that there are various categories of human gaits such as natural and trained gaits. Besides, human beings use the natural gaits instinctively such as normal walking on feet and running while trained gaits are acquired and are non-...