Gaits (Gait Foot-Fall Patterns)

This web site enables students to recognize limb patterns in quadrupeds (running animals). When the student is able to recognize gaits and anticipate foot-fall patterns in a moving animal, the student can begin to identify gait abnormalities, distinguish abnormal from normal gait variations and start to identify sources of gait disorders. Background information about the gaits that cursorial quadrupeds exhibit (walk and amble, trot, canter and gallop) is provided. Students can consult the Glossary when unknown terms encounter. Students can examine individual gaits by clicking the name of the gait. The animated cartoons illustrating canine locomotion are intended to practice recognizing limb patterns in a moving animal. The cartoons emphasize limb sequences (not trunk mechanics). The animations are limited to typical patterns of the major gait types (excluding less typical gait variations). For each gait selected, the student can choose between: 1 Normal speed lateral view of gait locomotion; 2 Slow speed lateral view of gait locomotion; or 3 Individual steps of stride (limb sequence & paw print patterns).

Comments & References: Neurobiology CVM 6120. Suitable for veterinary students and anyone interested in animal motion. This web site may be viewed online or downloaded to run from a local hard disc.
The Veterinary Anatomy website at the University of Minnesota has been redesigned. Please check the homepage for more information on the availability of this product.
Also see record number 3700 for the computer program version.

Price: Free of charge

Version: 2006