Glossary

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Biomechanics(also: Human Biomechanics, Movement Science)

The study of the mechanical principles governing the movement and structure of living organisms, particularly the human body. In accessibility and rehabilitation, biomechanics is applied to understand how disabilities affect movement, design assistive devices like orthoses and…

Gait(also: Walking Pattern, Locomotion Pattern)

The pattern of movement during walking, characterized by measurable parameters including walking velocity, cadence (steps per minute), step length, stride length, step time, cycle time, and swing time. Gait analysis is important in accessibility and rehabilitation because many…

Gait Analysis(also: Gait Assessment, Walking Analysis)

The systematic study of human locomotion using observation, measurement, and analysis of body mechanics during walking. Gait analysis measures parameters such as stride length, step duration, joint angles, stance and swing phase timing, and symmetry between left and right legs.…

Gait Cycle(also: Walking cycle)

The repeating pattern of leg movement during walking, defined from one foot contact with the ground to the next contact of the same foot. The cycle is divided into two main phases: the stance phase (foot on ground, bearing weight), which includes heel strike, midstance, and…

Gait Disturbance(also: Gait Abnormality, Gait Impairment, Gait Deviation)

Any deviation from a person's normal walking pattern, including decreased walking velocity, reduced step and stride length, increased step time, asymmetrical gait, and instability. Gait disturbances can result from neurological conditions (multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's…

Gait analysis(also: Walking pattern analysis, Locomotion analysis)

The systematic study of human walking patterns, including step frequency, stride length, body sway, and turning behaviour, using sensors or observation. In accessibility research, gait analysis reveals that blind people who use white canes or guide dogs have distinct walking…

Grasp Aperture(also: Hand Aperture, Finger Aperture)

Grasp aperture is the distance between the thumb and opposing finger(s) as the hand opens to receive an object during a reach. It scales with perceived object size, peaks before contact at a value typically larger than the object itself, and then closes to grip - a well-studied…

Kinematic Chain Theory(also: Guiard's Kinematic Chain, Asymmetric Division of Labor)

A theoretical framework developed by Yves Guiard describing how the two hands work together in bimanual tasks. The theory distinguishes between symmetric interactions (both hands perform the same movement) and asymmetric interactions (hands perform different complementary…

Kinesthetic Awareness(also: Kinesthesia, Movement Awareness)

The conscious perception of body position, movement, and muscle tension derived from internal sensory receptors in muscles, tendons, and joints. For sighted people, kinesthetic awareness is reinforced by visual feedback — watching their own movements and observing others. People…

Proprioception(also: Proprioceptive Sense, Body Position Sense)

The body's ability to sense its own position, movement, and orientation in space without relying on vision. Proprioceptive information comes from sensory receptors in muscles, tendons, and joints that detect stretch, tension, and pressure. For people who are blind or have low…

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