Human gait biomechanics across the life cycle: a narrative review

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Human gait is a dynamic process shaped by the interaction between the nervous and musculoskeletal systems and undergoes substantial changes across the lifespan. Biomechanical analysis of gait provides a basis for distinguishing typical and dysfunctional patterns and supports diagnosis, prevention, and rehabilitation.
OBJECTIVE: To present the main biomechanical parameters of human gait and their variations across the lifespan.
METHODS: This study is a narrative review of literature based on research conducted in PubMed, ScienceDirect, SciELO, and Google Scholar. The search strategy used the terms “gait”, “biomechanics”, “children” e “older adults” as well as their Portuguese and Spanish equivalents. Data were analyzed qualitatively using thematic analysis, encompassing categories such as spatiotemporal variables, kinematic and kinetic aspects, neuromuscular control, functional adaptations, and clinical implications.
RESULTS: The findings indicate that biomechanical gait parameters vary across the lifespan. In childhood, the locomotor pattern develops progressively, as reflected by increased step length, greater joint range of motion, and a gradual reduction in variability. In adulthood, this process culminates in the consolidation of a more stable, efficient, and predictable gait pattern, which serves as the biomechanical reference for age-group comparisons. In aging functional decline is observed, including reduced gait speed, shorter steps, longer double-support time, and decreased joint range of motion, factors frequently associated with muscle weakness, orthopedic changes, and increased fall risk.
CONCLUSION: The findings show that human gait changes across the lifespan, with progressive development in childhood, consolidation in adulthood, and functional decline in older age. Systematizing these parameters contributes to the biomechanical interpretation of gait across different age groups.