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Is Putin's odd gait due to disease or military training? |
Each Christmas, The BMJ release a series of papers showcasing
research of a more left-field bent than their normal fare. Today, we
take a look at one of these intriguing and original studies.
Despite the Christmas topics being slightly unusual, the research is still peer-reviewed and based on detailed work.
Science owes a huge debt to serendipity; the discovery of
penicillin springs to mind, as does Viagra, which was initially designed to treat
angina.
Important scientific discoveries can appear from the most unlikely of
corners. Because of this, all rigorous research has a certain inbuilt
validity.
The paper covered below is entitled '"Gunslinger's gait': a new cause of
unilaterally reduced arm swing". The work was carried out by Prof. Bas
Bloem and his pan-European team of self-declared, unabashed movement
disorder enthusiasts.