Step length, stride length, cadence, and velocity are important
quantitative, interrelated kinematic measures of gait.Pathological gait
commonly produces asymmetries in step length between the
two lower limbs.Step length is the
distance from the floor-contact point of one (ipsilateral, originating)
foot in early stance to the floor-contact point of the
opposite (contralateral) foot: in normal individuals the distance
from right heel contact to left heel contact.A reduction in functional joint
motion or the presence of pain or muscle
weakness can result
in decreased stride or step length, or both. Velocity
is the distance traveled in a given unit of time (the rate of
forward
progression) and is usually expressed in centimeters
per second
or meters per minute.Step
length and stride length are not synonymous.Stride length
is the distance from floor contact on one side to the next floor
contact on that same side: the distance from right heel contact
to the next right heel contact.Cadence is the number of steps taken in a given unit of
time, most often expressed in steps per minute.Velocity is the best single