A). Locomotor disability is defined as an impairment or condition that restricts the functional movement of bones, joints, or muscles, affecting a person’s ability to move from one place to another or perform tasks involving movement of limbs or body parts. It includes disorders of the musculoskeletal or nervous system that result in difficulty walking, using arms, or carrying out basic physical activities. This disability can be congenital (present from birth) or acquired due to factors like trauma, illness, or degenerative conditions.
Definition
According to the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016, locomotor disability is “a person’s inability to execute distinctive activities associated with movement of self and objects resulting from affliction of musculoskeletal or nervous system or both”.
Symptoms and Characteristics
Common symptoms and characteristics of locomotor disability include:
- Restricted or abnormal movement of limbs or joints
- Limited range of motion and difficulty in maintaining posture or balance
- Muscle weakness, stiffness, or spasms
- Dependence on mobility aids such as crutches, walkers, braces, or wheelchairs
- Challenges in everyday activities like walking, climbing stairs, dressing, grooming, picking or holding objects
- Irregular or uncoordinated walking patterns Suchimpairments can significantly affect physical activity and also emotional, social, and occupational well-being.
Common Causes
Locomotor disabilities have various causes including:
- Congenital conditions such as cerebral palsy, clubfoot, spina bifida
- Trauma such as fractures or spinal cord injuries
- Neurological disorders like stroke or muscular dystrophy
- Infectious diseases such as poliomyelitis
- Degenerative diseases like arthritis
- Amputation due to injury or illness.
A person with 40% or more locomotor impairment is legally recognized as having locomotor disability in many countries, which qualifies them for various support services.
This summary provides a comprehensive understanding of locomotor disability, its definition, typical symptoms, and causes.