Gait Keeping!
Webster’s defines a gatekeeper as “one who controls access.” And in a sense, this is what our gait does. Regardless of whether we are running or walking it determines how we move through our day. Several things come to mind when looking at gait: To walk or run we engage the entirety of our lower kinetic chain, from the hips to our tippy-toes. The muscles, ligaments, tendons, and joints in that chain are intricately designed to do certain things and if those elements are not functioning properly, our gait is compromised. Gait deteriorates with age. However, vigilance can allow us to forestall many common effects and even partially reverse some of what may have taken hold. First, let’s underscore the importance of gait. A. E. Patla, a reknown researcher in gait, notes “nothing epitomizes a level of independence and our perception of a good quality of life more than the ability to travel independently under our own power from one place to another.” Aside from our ability to think, being mobile is arguably the most joyful thing we do. It’s a rare person who has not been laid up for a time. We go stir crazy! And can’t wait to … Continue reading