1. Gait & Ambulation Aids Flashcards
# Define: Stride Length - Step Length & Width - Cadence ๐๐ What is the normal step length?
STRIDE
Initial contact of a limb and the subsequent initial contact of that same limb.
One gait cycle is also referred to as a stride.
STRIDE LENGTH
It is the distance measured from heel strike to heel strike of the same foot
STEP LENGTH
It is distance measured from heel strike of one foot to heel strike of the other foot.
Normally = 15 to 20 inches โ1.25-1.66 Feetโ
Step Length x 2 = Stride Length
STEP WIDTH
The distance between the center of the feet during the double limb support portion of the gait cycle when both feet are in contact with the ground.
Normal base of support (distance between heels) = 6 to 10 cm
CADENCE
The number of steps taken in 1 minute. Average is 80 to 110 steps per minute.
This corresponds to an average walking speed of 60 to 80 m/min, 5 km/h or 3mph.
Cuccurollo 4th Edition Chapter 6 P&O pg457-458
Gait Cycle ๐๐
List the 3 tasks of a gait cycle List the 5 periods of stance and 3 periods of swing gait
List 8 phases of gait cycle
In which phase of the gait cycle does the body have the lowest centre of gravity?
In which phase of the gait cycle does the body have the highest centre of gravity?
TASKS
- Weight acceptance
- Single limb support
- Limb advancement
STANCE PHASE 60%
Initial Contact (IC) ุจุฏุงูุฉ ุงูู ูุงู ุณุฉ
When foot comes in contact with the ground
Other limb in preswing phase.
Loading Response (LR) ุจุนุฏ ูุถุน ุงููุฏู ุฅูู ุฑูุน ุงููุฏู ุงูุซุงููุฉ
Initial contact to the time when the contralateral foot leaves the ground
Other limb in initial swing phase
๐ก The body has the lowest COG during loading response. (weight shift occurs)
Midstance (MSt) ู ู ุฑูุน ุงููุฏู ุฅูู ุฅูุชูุงุก ุงููุงุญููู
๐ก The body has the highest COG during midstance.
Time period from lift of the contralateral extremity from the ground to the point where the ankles of both extremities are aligned in the frontal (or coronal) plane
Terminal Stance (TSt) ู ู ุจุนุฏ ุฅูุชูุงุก ุงููุงุญููู ุฅูู ูุจู ูุถุน ุงููุฏู
Time period from ankle alignment in the frontal plane to just prior to initial contact of the contralateral (swinging) extremity
Preswing (PSw) ูุถุน ุงููุฏู ููุจู ุทููุน ุงููุฏู ุงูุซุงููุฉ
Time period from initial contact of the contralateral extremity to just prior to lift of the ipsilateral extremity from the ground (unloading weight)
SWING PHASE 40%
Initial Swing (ISw) ุทููุน ุงููุฏู ูุซูู ุงูุฑูุจุฉ
Lift of the extremity from the ground to position of maximum knee flexion
Midswing (MSw) ู ู ุซูู ุงูุฑูุจุฉ ุฅูู ูุถุน ุงูุฑุฌู ุนู ูุฏูุงู
Immediately following knee flexion to vertical tibia position
Terminal Swing (TSw): ู ุฏ ุงูุฑูุจุฉ ูุงู ูุฉู ุฅูู ุจุฏุงูุฉ ุงูู ูุงู ุณุฉ
Following vertical tibia position to just prior to initial contact
Cuccurollo 4th Edition Chapter 6 P&O pg458
Limb Support ๐๐
DOUBLE LIMB SUPPORT (80%)
Time period during which both feet are in contact with the floor.
Both the beginning and end of the stance phase
SINLG LIMB SUPPORT (20%)
Time period starts when the opposite foot is lifted for the swing phase
Cuccurollo 4th Edition Chapter 6 P&O pg457
Seep walking vs Running effect on gait cycle ๐๐
Walking faster decreases the time spent in stance phase, increasing time spent in swing phase
Running have no double limb support.
Cuccurollo 4th Edition Chapter 6 P&O pg457
Max hip flexion, knee and ankle dorsiflexion ๐๐
Initial Swing
- Max knee and ankle flexion
Mid Swing
- Max hip flexion โ to shorten the length
Gravity line and Centre of gravity. ๐๐
CENTER OF GRAVITY (COG)
Typically located 5 cm anterior to the S2 vertebra at the level of PSIS
The COG is displaced 5 cm (<2 inches) horizontally and 5 cm vertically during an average adult male step.
GRAVITY LINE
- Behind the cervical vertebrae
- In front of the thoracic vertebrae
- Behind the lumbar vertebrae
- Posterior to the hip joint and tends to passively extend the hip joint โ countered by anterior ileofemoral ligament
- Anterior to the knee joint and tends to passively extend the knee โ quadriceps weakness result in genu recurvatum
- Passes 1 to 2 inches anterior to the ankle joint and tends to dorsiflex the ankle โ resisted by the soleus and gastrocnemius muscles.
Cuccurollo 4th Edition Chapter 6 P&O pg458
What is the normal velocity for walking?
NOTE: this is the walking speed that is most efficient.
Comfortable walking speed = 80 m/min or 3 mph or 4.8 kph
Cuccurollo 4th Edition Chapter 6 P&O pg458
List 5 determinants of gait that reduce excursion of centre of mass ๐๐ EXAM
๐ก Actual COG displacement is approximately 5 cm (2 inches)
IMPORTANCE
- Minimize deviation of the bodyโs COG (COG follows a smooth, sinusoidal path)
- Minimize energy expenditure
DETERMINANTS OF GAIT
-
Lateral pelvis displacement
Displacement toward the stance limb, shifting COG of the body to lie above the base of support (the stance foot). -
Pelvic rotation
Pelvis rotates medially (4-degree pelvic rotation) on the swinging leg side, lengthening the limb as it prepares to accept weight. -
Pelvic tilt
Pelvis on the side of the swinging leg (opposite to the weight-bearing leg) is lowered 4โ5 degrees. This lowers the COG at midstance. -
Knee flexion in stance
Lowers the COG (minimizing its vertical displacement) by early knee flexion during heel stroke or initial contact thus shortening the hip-to-ankle distance. -
Knee mechanisms
Restoring leg length after midstance, knee extends as the ankle plantar flexes -
Foot mechanisms
Three pivot points (rockers) at the heel, ankle, and forefoot smoothens the curve of the falling pelvis.
Cuccurollo 4th Edition Chapter 6 P&O Table 6-2 pg459
Prerequisites of Gait ๐๐ EXAM
- Stability in stance
- Clearance in swing
- Preposition of the swing foot
- Adequate step length
- Energy conservation
Foot rockers
-
Heel Rocker: Initial contact & weight acceptance
- Goal is absorbing the shock and weight descending from body to knee to foot
- Quadriceps muscle contract to limit knee flexion moment arm
- Tibialis anterior muscles will eccentric contract to resist planterflexion (limit foot drop)
-
Ankle Rocker: Midstance
- Goal is smooth tibial progression
- Soleus contract to decelerate and control the dorsiflexion during midstance.
-
Forefoot Rocker: Heel raise
- To provide a rolling-like mechanism of foot during stance
- To preserved the momentum and aid in limb advancement
- Gastrocnemius and soleus contract to produce planterflexion
-
Toe Rocker
- Plantar flexors thrusts the tibia forwards moving from pre-swing to swing.
Muscle Activity ๐๐ EXAM
- Give actions of the following muscles in the mid-stance of the gait cycle
- List 3 muscles and their action at initial contact
- Is their concentric or eccentric contraction in the following muscles at loading response
- What lower extremity muscle group performs CONCENTRIC contraction?
- List the two periods of gait cycle that the ankle dorsiflexors activate and describe its function
Concentric
- IP - PT - Calf
Dorsiflexors
- Initial Contact: eccentrically to decelerate passive plantar flexion of ankle.
- Initial Swing: concentrically to dorsiflex ankle to clear foot in swing.
What are the requirements for sufficient clearance in swing phase?
Another word: sufficient swing needs ..
๐ก One leg is stable while the other swing properly.
- Stability on the stance limb
- Adequate dorsiflexion, knee flexion and hip flexion on the swing limb
List 3 muscles and their action at heel strike ๐
- Tib Ant, EHL, ED, Eccentric Contraction โ Preventing foor slap via controlling dorsiflexion
- Quadriceps, Eccentric Contraction โ Controlling knee extension to prevent knee buckling
- Gluteus & Hamstring, Eccentric Contraction โ Prevent hip flexion
In quiet standing, which muscles maintain the body in erect position? ๐๐ Dr. Haitham
Ankle planterflexors, gastrocsoleus complex
Ground reaction force is placed anterior to ankle joint forcing it into dorsiflexion, thus ankle stability is maintained by continuous contraction of the gastrocsoleus to produce a counter force (planterflexion) to stabilize ankle joint moment (torque)
PMR Secrets 3rd Edition Chapter 11 pg114 Q14
You are examining a 36 years old patient in the OPD. You have noticed that he has genu recurvatum during the stance phase. Mention 2 possible causes? (marks) What are the possible causes of genu recurvatum during the stance period of gait? Provide three lower extremity reasons for knee hyperextension in early stance. ๐๐
- Spastic quadriceps
- Compensation for weak quadriceps
- Weak hamstring
- Achilles tendon contracture
- Plantar flexor spasticity
Cuccurollo 4th Edition Chapter 6 P&O pg461 Table 6-4
PMR Secrets 3rd Edition Chapter 11 pg114 q18
When is patient with dorsiflexion weakness suspected to have foot slap? ๐๐ Dr. Abdulrazaq
Severely weak dorsiflexors <3/5, motor power less than โanti-gravityโ
Cuccurollo 4th Edition Chapter 6 P&O Table6-4 pg461
List 2 cause of Steppage gait/foot drop. List 4 DDx for foor drop ๐๐
BIOMECHANICAL CAUSES
- Severely weak dorsiflexors grade <3/5
- Equinus deformity (planterflexion contracture)
- Plantar flexor spasticity
Cuccurollo 4th Edition Chapter 6 P&O Table6-4 pg461
DEFFERENTIALS
- Anterior compartment syndrome of lower leg (deep peroneal neuropathy).
- Peroneal neuropathy at the fibular head.
- Sciatic neuropathy (preferential involvement of peroneal division).
- Lumbosacral plexopathy.
- L5 radiculopathy.
Preston shapiro pg 346.
List 3 causes of Wide base of support ๐
- Hip abductor muscle contracture
- Instability
- Genu valgum
- Leg length discrepancy
Cuccurollo 4th Edition Chapter 6 P&O Table6-4 pg461
List 2 causes Excessive foot supination ๐
- Forefoot valgus deformity (Tibialis posterior & anterior spasticity post stroke)
- Pes cavus
- Short limb
Cuccurollo 4th Edition Chapter 6 P&O Table6-4 pg461
List 4 causes of Increased knee flexion ๐๐
- Hamstring contracture/Spasticity
- Increased ankle dorsiflexion
- Weak plantar flexor (opposite of spastic PF โ extension)
- Hip flexion contracture
- Long limb
Cuccurollo 4th Edition Chapter 6 P&O Table6-4 pg461
List 2 causes of Excessive trunk lateral flexion & Waddling gait ๐๐
Uncompensated right Trendelenburg gait
Pelvis drops on the contralateral side (excessive pelvic tilt)
Compensated Trendelenburg gait
Leans his or her trunk to the ipsilateral to prevent left pelvic drop
Causes of Excessive trunk lateral flexion
- Ipsilateral gluteus medius weakness, uncompensated trendelenburg
- Hip pain โangaltic gaitโ
Causes of Waddling gait
- Bilateral gluteus medius weakness, myopathic gait
Cuccurollo 4th Edition Chapter 6 P&O Table6-4 pg461
List 3 causes of Hip hiking ๐๐
- Quadratus lumborum shortening
- Long limb
- Stiff knee
- Weak hamstring โlimited knee flexionโ
Cuccurollo 4th Edition Chapter 6 P&O Table6-4 pg461
List 2 causes of Circumduction ๐๐
- Abductor muscle shortening or overuse
- Long limb
- Stiff knee
- Dropped foot
Cuccurollo 4th Edition Chapter 6 P&O Table6-4 pg461
What are the difference between toddler and adult gait? 4 marks ๐๐ EXAM
- Wider base support
- Reduced stride length with higher cadence
- No heel strike
- Little knee flexion during standing
- No reciprocal arm swing
- External rotation of entire leg during swing phase
PMR Secrets 3rd Edition Chapter 11 pg115 q22
At what age the child would go upstairs and down stairs with alternating feet? (2 marks)๐๐
Upstairs 3 years
Down stairs 4 years
PM&R secrets 2nd edition P416
When does an infant acquire the ability to walk supported? To walk unsupported? To run?
- Walk supported by 12 months
- Walk unsupported by 15 months
- Run by 18 months
- Mature gait pattern is established by 3 years old
PMR Secrets 3rd Edition Chapter 11 pg115 q21
Elderly gait compared to young adults? 1 mark
Reduced peak hip extension
PMR Secrets 3rd Edition Chapter 11 pg115 q23
Gait Impairment Post Stroke ๐๐ List 5 stance phase gait abnormalities in hemiplegic leg
HEMIPLEGIC GAIT
- Hip circumduction, hip hiking, and contralateral vaulting with excessive elevation of the pelvis to avoid toe drag
- Reduced knee flexion during swing and stance phases (spastic paretic stiff-legged gait)
- Knee hyperextension (dynamic recurvatum) during stance
- Excessive ankle plantar flexion (equinus) during swing and/or stance: ankle dorsiflexor weakness, plantar-flexor spasticity, or ankle plantar flexion contracture.
- Asymmetry of stepping
- Reduced duration of single-limb stance (SLS) on the affected side
- Prolonged duration of double-limb stance (DLS) on the affected side
DeLisa 5th Edition Chapter 5 Human Walking pg132
STANCE PHASE
- Short/absent heel strike
- Limited knee flexion
- Limited ankle dorsi-flexion
- Poor push off
- Short stance time
- Increased double stance
SWING PHASE:
- Truncal lurch towards unaffected side
- Hip hiking
- Vaulting
- Circumduction
- Hyperextension of the knee
- Trendelenburg gait???
Review course notes โ 2010/2012 โ Gait section (pg 55)
What are expected gait abnormalities in a patient with antalgic gait. ๐๐
Affected limb:
- Decreased stance phase time
- Increased swing phase time
- Decreased weight bearing
- Lateral Trunk lurch over affected hip during stance
Unaffected limb:
- Increased stance phase time
- Decreased swing phase time
- Decreased step length
Overall:
- Reduced walking speed
- Increased displacement of COG
- Increased energy expenditure
Flash Cards