Ganglänge

Ganglänge, also known as step length or stride length, refers to the distance covered by a person during one full gait cycle. A gait cycle encompasses the entire sequence of movements of a limb from the moment it touches the ground until it touches the ground again. Specifically, ganglänge is often measured from the point of heel strike of one foot to the heel strike of the same foot. Alternatively, it can be considered the distance between two consecutive heel strikes of opposite feet, which is termed stride length.

The measurement of ganglänge is a crucial parameter in biomechanical analysis, particularly in the study of human locomotion. It is influenced by various factors including an individual's height, age, speed of walking or running, and underlying physiological or pathological conditions. For instance, individuals with certain neurological disorders or musculoskeletal injuries may exhibit altered ganglänge as a compensatory mechanism or due to impaired motor control.

In clinical settings, assessing ganglänge can aid in diagnosing and monitoring conditions affecting gait, such as Parkinson's disease, stroke, or arthritis. Gait analysis laboratories commonly employ motion capture systems and force plates to accurately quantify ganglänge and other kinematic and kinetic variables. Understanding ganglänge provides insights into the efficiency and stability of a person's gait, contributing to rehabilitation strategies and the development of assistive devices.