238. Gait

Question 1

7 periods of the gait cycle

Answer 1

1. Loading Response (Heel Strike)
2. Mid-stance
3. Terminal Stance
4. Pre-Swing
5. Initial Swing
6. Mid-Swing
7. Terminal Swing

Question 2

Stride length vs. step length

Answer 2

Stride: 1 gait cycle, r. heel to r. heel
step: 1/2 gait cycle, r. heel to l. heel

Question 3

Cadence v. walking speed (which is best for measuring walking ability)

Answer 3

cadence: # steps / min
speed: distance/ time - best measurement of walking ability

Question 4

Two ways to increase walking speed

Answer 4

1. increase stride length

2. increase cadence

Question 5

Muscles used during initial contact/heel strike

Answer 5

1. Quadriceps - prevent from falling
2. Hamstrings - slow limb down (eccentric contraction controls movement)
3. Dorsiflexors (clear toes)

Question 6

Muscles used during loading response

Answer 6

Quadriceps and Gluteals (prevent from falling)

Question 7

Muscles used during mid-stance

Answer 7

1. Gluteus medius - lateral balance

2. Gastrocnemius/Soleus: keep from falling

Question 8

Swing phase muscles used

Answer 8

Hip Flexors and ankle dorsiflexors (clear toes)

Question 9

Gait deficits in foot drop, varus deformity, trendelenberg, prosthetic limb

Answer 9

FD: poor anterior leg muscles = no dorsiflexion (deep fibular nerve deficit) = compensate by more knee/hip flexion to clear toes
VD: varus thrust: knee bows out even more
T: superior gluteal nerve injury = lack of lateral balance = opposite side hip drop = compensate by lateral spine bending
P: “vaulting” on toes one one leg to clear swinging prosthetic leg