Dynamic Gait Index

Figure of 8 Walk

Description: The Figure 8 Walk, is a goal-directed task, involving a well-learned ability of walking but in the context of a complex task. The task of walking a figure of 8 pattern requires the use of various lower extremity and trunk muscles in different patterns for each leg, but integrated between the two legs as the person moves around the markers. For example, the abductor muscles of the leg on the inside of the curve are activated while the adductor muscles of the leg on the outside aspect of the curve are active, the situation reversed for each leg as the individual walks around the other marker. Walking involves switching activation between agonist and antagonistic muscle groups of the lower extremity. Walking a pattern such as the figure of 8 requires sustaining the pattern of muscle activity for walking while making decisions about path, and controlling motion of the center of mass as body continually changes directions. All of the movement components involved in successful navigation of the figure of 8 walk, have most likely been a part of the individual’s prior walking experiences in daily life. The task for the individual becomes one of planning the movement by selecting appropriate motor programs and linking the programs complete the figure of 8 walk. Efficiency in time for completion, number of steps, accuracy as in rounding the curves within a limited range from the markers (neither walking into the markers nor rounding at a distance well beyond the marker) and the fluid motion from start to finish of the walking task will be indicators of the motor skill in walking.

References: (The measure is newly developed and the psychometric properties are currently being studied, JM VanSwearingen and colleagues, 2005)