HOW TO POWER STRUT LIKE PUTIN.

1 THE ULTIMATE POWER MOVE

It may be the supreme power walk, adopted by world leaders to project an aura of fearless masculinity. Scientists have revealed how to come by the distinctive gait taught by the KGB and put into practice by Russia’s leaders, including Vladimir Putin. They initially thought it might be a sign of early Parkinson’s disease.

2 THE SCIENCE

A study found that Putin and his senior officials all walk in a manner consistent with Soviet security agency training — holding the right arm close to the body with a reduced swing while leading with the left. The study, published in the BMJ, says: “We propose that this new pattern, which we term ‘gunslinger’s gait,’ may result from a behavioural adaptation, possibly triggered by KGB or other forms of weaponry training.”

3 WHAT DO THEY SAY ABOUT IMITATION?

The Russian president, Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev, two former defence ministers and a highly ranked military commander all stride out in similar style. However, noting that Medvedev had never had military or intelligence training, the experts suggest he may actually have adopted the walk to imitate his macho boss.

4 ORIGIN STORY

Their breakthrough came when they discovered a training manual of the former KGB, with specific instruction on how operatives should advance in the field. “When moving, it is absolutely necessary to keep your weapon against the chest or in the right hand,” it said. “Moving forward should be done with one side, usually the left, turned somewhat in the direction of movement.” The experts found other examples of a reduced arm swing in cowboys depicted in Westerns.