Human Walking, 2d ed.

This is the second edition of Human Walking, originally written by Verne T Inman, Henry J Ralston, and Frank Todd. Jessica Rose and James Gamble serve as chief editors for the second edition and have recruited 13 additional contributors who are experts in movement science, orthopedics, physiology or bioengineering. Three of the contributors, including jessica Rose, are physical therapists.

The book is organized into 10 chapters and presents a comprehensive analysis of human gait. The first 5 chapters approximate mate those of the first edition. Chapter 1, entitled Human Locomotion," written by Inman, Ralston, and Todd, appears in its original form, whereas chapters through have been extensively reworked. Three entirely new chapters have been included in the present edition and deal with the development of gait, the components and functions of gait laboratories, and an interesting analysis of artificial walking that emphasizes current and future applications for patients with paraplegia. Although the chapter on prosthetics appeared in the first edition, new information has been added, including an analysis of newer prosthetic designs and components, including polycentric joints.

With the exception of chapter 1, most chapters have been enhanced with new figures, including some photomicrographs, graphs, to complement the well-written, concise text. An extensive reference section is included after each chapter, making this text one of the more comprehensive compendiums of gait analysis literature. Many recent studies are cited, which complement the original research conducted by Inman, Ralston, and Frank in the 1950s through the 1970s. One criticism of some of the earlier studies presented was the use of small subject samples, making generalization to larger populations difficult. in part, this was due to the unique status of some of the subjects studied. Single-subject designs and the use of case studies contributed to this impression. Newer research cited in the second edition includes larger samples and stronger designs, which permit more generalization to healthy subjects and patients who demonstrate gait deficits.

Students, practicing physical therapists, and other professionals interested in contemporary and past research on human man locomotion, including the interesting historical perspective presented by the original authors, will find this text invaluable.