Gait analysis is an important tool that helps doctors and medical professionals to assess an individual's walking pattern, which can provide useful information for prevention and treatment of various musculoskeletal disorders. There are several synonyms for gait analysis, including walking assessment, biomechanical analysis, motion analysis, locomotion analysis, and stride analysis. These terms all refer to the comprehensive evaluation of an individual's walking pattern, which can include assessment of foot placement, joint movement, muscle activation, and balance. As technology has advanced, gait analysis has become more sophisticated, with the use of video analysis, force plates, and other tools to provide a more detailed understanding of an individual's gait.