Symmetry and limb dominance in able-bodied gait: a review

As one of the most universal of all human activities, gait in the able-bodi ed has received considerable attention, but many aspects still need to be c larified. Symmetry or asymmetry in the actions of the lower extremities dur ing walking and the possible effect of laterality on gait are two prevalent and controversial issues. The purpose of this study was to review the work done over the last few decades in demonstrating: (a) whether or not the lo wer limbs behave symmetrically during able-bodied gait; and (b) how limb do minance affects the symmetrical or asymmetrical behavior of the lower extre mities. The literature reviewed shows that gait symmetry has often been ass umed, to simplify data collection and analysis. in contrast, asymmetrical b ehavior of the lower limbs during able-bodied ambulation was addressed in n umerous investigations and was found to reflect natural functional differen ces between the lower extremities. These functional differences were probab ly related to the contribution of each limb in carrying out the tasks of pr opulsion and control during able-bodied walking. In current debates on gait symmetry in able-bodied subjects, laterality has been cited as an explanat ion for the existence of functional differences between the lower extremiti es, although a number of studies do not support the hypothesis of a relatio nship between gait symmetry and laterality. Further investigation is needed to demonstrate functional gait asymmetry and its relationship to lateralit y, taking into consideration the biomechanical aspects of gait. (C) 2000 El sevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.