8.0 Mechanisms of Abnormal Gait

Question 1

What contributes to decreased joint motion?

Answer 1

Contractures: Limited Joint motion

Question 2

What are the 2 types of contractures?

Answer 2

Elastic: Able to move
Rigid: stuck

Question 3

If someone has abnormal gait due to Impaired feedback, what are the 4 areas this could be due to?

Answer 3

1. Proprioceptive
   - Joint Position sense
2. Vestibular
   - Balance
3. Sensory
   - Foot
4. Visual

Question 4

Someone with an abnormal gait pattern may have impaired motor control due to…

Answer 4

1. Lack of selective muscle control
2. Mass flexor and Extensor patterns
   - Flexors and extensors are firing highly

Question 5

A muscles response to stretch is known as

Answer 5

Spasticity

Question 6

Taking a joint and motiving it very quickly will sometimes produce….

Answer 6

Hyperactivity

-Used to determine if someones muscles are overly active.

Question 7

What phase in the gait cycle might one see spasticity?

Answer 7

Knee flexion during pre-swing

-Goes from 0° to 40° of flexion very quickly

Question 8

What are the Penalties related to Abnormal Gait?

Answer 8

Decreased: (8)

• Shock absorption
• Preparation for Swing
• Preparation for Stance
• Limb Advancement
• Forward Progression
• Stability
• Stride Length
• Foot clearance

Increased: (3)

• COM movement
• Energy Expenditure
• Soft Tissue Stress/Strain

Question 9

What are the General Causes of abnormal Gait?

Answer 9

1. Decreased Joint Motion
2. Weakness
3. Pain
4. Pain
5. Impaired Feedback
6. Impaired Motor Control