Gait Training

A special shout-out to our Exercise Physiologist Matt’s client Sam (pictured) who has been practising navigating obstacles while trying to minimise shuffling gait!

As with all rehabilitation programs, gait training is highly individualised to a person’s specific needs. If you are interested in learning more contact us to speak to one of our Accredited Exercise Physiologists today!

Gait is a person’s pattern of walking. Although we often take it for granted, gait is a very complex activity. After a stroke, or with conditions such as Parkinson’s disease or Multiple Sclerosis, a person’s gait pattern may be altered and become abnormal due to their functional limitations and impairments. The resulting gait pattern is unique to that person’s injury/illness and is often a combination of new compensatory movement patterns and movement deviations.

Gait training often becomes a major focus in treatment in order to restore or maximise their walking ability and minimise their risk of falls, especially as risk of falls is increased greatly in people with these conditions. Treatment can focus on improving ambulation efficiency, timing, technique, ability to negotiate obstacles and turns, speed and endurance, as well as building strength, dynamic balance and safety awareness.