Description

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Context

Gait analysis leads to arrest of 7 month old’s rapist in Bengal.

About Gait Analysis

Gait analysis is the scientific study of human movement specifically focusing on the mechanics of walking or running. It evaluates the body’s movements, muscle activity and biomechanics to understand how individuals move. This process is crucial in diagnosing, treating and improving conditions related to locomotion.

Purpose of Gait Analysis

Medical Diagnosis and Treatment:

Identifying abnormalities in walking patterns caused by neurological, muscular or skeletal disorders.

Aiding in the treatment of conditions like cerebral palsy, stroke and arthritis.

Rehabilitation Monitoring:

Tracking recovery progress after surgery, injury or neurological events.

Prosthetics and Orthotics Design:

Ensuring prosthetic limbs and orthotic devices align with individual biomechanics for optimal movement.

Performance Enhancement:

Helping athletes refine their running or walking techniques to improve efficiency and prevent injuries.

Research Applications:

Investigating the mechanics of human locomotion to advance scientific understanding.

Phases of the Gait Cycle

The gait cycle is divided into two main phases:

Stance Phase (60% of the cycle):

Occurs when the foot is in contact with the ground.

Swing Phase (40% of the cycle):

Occurs when the foot is off the ground and swinging forward.

Parameters in Gait Analysis

Spatial Parameters: Step length, stride length and step width.

Temporal Parameters: Cadence (steps per minute) and gait speed.

Kinematic Data: Joint angles and body segment movements during the gait cycle.

Kinetic Data: Forces exerted by the muscles and external forces acting on the body.

Electromyographic (EMG) Data: Muscle activation patterns during movement.

About Skeleton System

Aspect	Description
Definition	The skeletal system is the rigid structure of bones and cartilage that provides support, protection and shape to the body.
Components	Bones: 206 bones in adults, including long bones (femur), short bones (carpals), flat bones (skull) and irregular bones (vertebrae). Cartilage: Flexible connective tissue cushioning joints. Ligaments: Connective tissue linking bones at joints.
Functions	Provides structural framework. Protects vital organs (e.g., skull for brain, rib cage for heart and lungs). Facilitates movement in conjunction with muscles. Stores minerals (calcium, phosphorus). Produces blood cells in bone marrow (hematopoiesis).
Divisions	Axial Skeleton: 80 bones including skull, vertebral column and rib cage. Appendicular Skeleton: 126 bones including limbs, shoulder girdle and pelvic girdle.
Bone Types	Compact Bone: Dense and strong; forms the outer layer of bones. Spongy Bone: Lighter, porous; contains marrow.
Common Disorders	Osteoporosis: Loss of bone density. Fractures: Breaks in bones. Scoliosis: Abnormal spinal curvature.

About Muscular System

Aspect	Description
Definition	The muscular system comprises tissues that contract to facilitate movement, maintain posture, and generate heat.
Components	Skeletal Muscles: Voluntary muscles attached to bones. Smooth Muscles: Involuntary muscles in organs (e.g., intestines). Cardiac Muscles: Specialized involuntary muscle in the heart.
Functions	Enables body movements Maintains posture and balance Generates heat through contraction (thermogenesis) Supports internal organ function (smooth muscles).
Muscle Types	Skeletal Muscle: Striated, voluntary. Smooth Muscle: Non-striated, involuntary. Cardiac Muscle: Striated, involuntary.
Mechanism of Action	Contraction: Shortening of muscle fibers to create force. Relaxation: Return to resting state.
Energy Sources	ATP from aerobic respiration (long-term) Anaerobic respiration (short bursts).
Common Disorders	Muscular Dystrophy: Genetic degeneration of muscles. Tendinitis: Inflammation of tendons. Muscle Atrophy: Loss of muscle mass.

Sources:

TimesofIndia

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q.Which of the following statements about the muscular system is/are correct?

Smooth muscle contraction is controlled by the somatic nervous system.
Skeletal muscles are multinucleated and work in pairs to facilitate movement.
Cardiac muscle cells have intercalated discs that enhance electrical conductivity between cells.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2, and 3

Answer: (b)

Explanation:

Statement 1 is incorrect: Smooth muscles are involuntary and controlled by the autonomic nervous system, not the somatic system.statement 2 is correct: Skeletal muscles are multinucleated and work in pairs (agonist and antagonist) for smooth and controlled movements. For example, the biceps and triceps work together to flex and extend the elbow.

Statement 3 is correct: Cardiac muscle cells have intercalated discs, specialized connections that enable rapid transmission of electrical signals ensuring synchronized heart contractions.