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Abstract
As one of the most universal of all human activities, gait in the able-bodied has
received considerable attention, but many aspects still need to be clarified. Symmetry
or asymmetry in the actions of the lower extremities during 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 lower limbs behave symmetrically during able-bodied gait; and
(b) how limb dominance affects the symmetrical or asymmetrical behavior of the lower
extremities. The literature reviewed shows that gait symmetry has often been assumed,
to simplify data collection and analysis. In contrast, asymmetrical behavior of the
lower limbs during able-bodied ambulation was addressed in numerous investigations
and was found to reflect natural functional differences between the lower extremities.
These functional differences were probably related to the contribution of each limb
in carrying out the tasks of propulsion and control during able-bodied walking. In
current debates on gait symmetry in able-bodied subjects, laterality has been cited
as an explanation for the existence of functional differences between the lower extremities,
although a number of studies do not support the hypothesis of a relationship between
gait symmetry and laterality. Further investigation is needed to demonstrate functional
gait asymmetry and its relationship to laterality, taking into consideration the biomechanical
aspects of gait.