Temporal asymmetry as a gait quality indicator

A distinction is made between ‘diagnostic’ and ‘monitoring’ purposes for gait analysis. Two systems which use the temporal components of the walking cycle for the latter purpose are described. One is a laboratory-based system which derives a temporal asymmetry index combining the asymmetries of the swing and double-stance phases. The other is a gait monitor unit designed for clinical use which substitutes step asymmetry for the temporal asymmetry index and measures stride time as an indicator of general walking ability. Examples of the results obtained with both systems are given.