Editing Gait (section)

==Variables==
[[File:Gait graphs v2.png|thumb|500px|Gait graphs in the style of Hildebrand. Dark areas indicate times of contact, bottom axis is % of cycle]]
Gaits are generally classed as "symmetrical" and "asymmetrical" based on limb movement. These terms have nothing to do with [[left-right symmetry]]. In a symmetrical gait, the left and right limbs of a pair alternate, while in an asymmetrical gait, the limbs move together. Asymmetrical gaits are sometimes termed "leaping gaits", due to the presence of a suspended phase.

The key [[Variable (research)|variables]] for gait are the duty factor and the [[forelimb]]-hindlimb phase relationship. Duty factor is simply the percent of the total cycle which a given foot is on the ground. This value will usually be the same for forelimbs and hindlimbs unless the animal is moving with a specially trained gait or is [[Acceleration|accelerating]] or [[decelerating]]. Duty factors over 50% are considered a "walk", while those less than 50% are considered a run. Forelimb-hindlimb phase is the [[Time|temporal]] relationship between the limb pairs. If the same-side forelimbs and hindlimbs initiate stance phase at the same time, the phase is 0 (or 100%). If the same-side forelimb contacts the ground half of the cycle later than the hindlimb, the phase is 50%.