Mon, Oct 20, 2025
Volume 16, Issue 1 (Winter-In press 2026)
PTJ 2026, 16(1): 0-0 |
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Yousefian Molla R. Reevaluating the Role of Upper Limb Swing in Human Gait: Implications for Clinical Biomechanics. PTJ 2026; 16 (1)
URL: http://ptj.uswr.ac.ir/article-1-808-en.html
URL: http://ptj.uswr.ac.ir/article-1-808-en.html
Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, CT.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
Abstract: (29 Views)
Human gait is a complex, whole-body process that extends beyond lower limb mechanics to include the critical contribution of upper limb movement—particularly arm swing. Traditionally underappreciated, arm swing plays an active role in enhancing dynamic stability, reducing energy expenditure, and maintaining intersegmental coordination. Emerging biomechanical evidence challenges the outdated view of arm swing as a passive consequence of leg motion, revealing its functional integration with trunk and pelvic dynamics. Restriction or asymmetry in arm swing results in significant alterations to center of mass displacement, joint power distribution, and gait efficiency. Clinically, impaired arm swing serves as an early marker in conditions like Parkinson’s disease and stroke, with implications for diagnosis and rehabilitation. Interventions targeting upper limb retraining have demonstrated promising improvements in gait symmetry and balance. This editorial advocates for a paradigm shift toward recognizing arm swing as a vital component in gait analysis and therapy. Future research should focus on normative data collection, wearable technologies, machine learning applications, and integration into prosthetic and orthotic design to support comprehensive rehabilitation strategies.
Type of Study: Applicable |
Subject:
Sports biomechanics
Received: 2025/08/7 | Accepted: 2026/01/15 | Published: 2026/01/15
Received: 2025/08/7 | Accepted: 2026/01/15 | Published: 2026/01/15
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