Gait Symmetry and Lower-limb Dominance

Upper-limb asymmetry and limb dominance (handedness) are recognized as normal and taken into consideration when making O&P clinical recommendations. A more significant loss of function is expected following the loss of the dominant upper limb, and out of necessity, dominance transfers to the contralateral side. There is no expectation that tasks will be shared equally by two upper limbs without pathology, and asymmetry is considered an acceptable clinical outcome. However, in lower-limb cases, lower-limb dominance is generally not considered clinically, and asymmetries are viewed as problems to resolve. Symmetry is a common criterion for assessing gait quality and an indication of superior outcomes.