What does "gait" refer to in biomechanics?

In biomechanics, "gait" specifically refers to the pattern of movement of the limbs during locomotion, such as walking or running. This pattern encompasses various phases of movement, including stance and swing phases, and it involves the coordination of multiple joints and muscles to achieve efficient and effective locomotion. Understanding gait is crucial in biomechanics because it provides insights into how forces are generated and absorbed by the body, how energy is conserved during movement, and how different factors such as speed or terrain can alter movement patterns. Analyzing gait can also assist in identifying issues related to movement efficiency, injury prevention, and rehabilitation strategies.

The other options, while related to physical activity or biomechanics concepts, do not accurately define what gait entails. For example, a type of exercise or evaluating muscle strength do not capture the specific locomotion patterns that gait represents.