Abnormal Gait Patterns

Question 1

Antalgic

Answer 1

A protective Gait pattern where the involved step length is decreased in order to avoid weight bearing on the involved side, usually secondary to pain.

Question 2

Ataxic

Answer 2

A Gait pattern characterized by staggering and unsteadiness. There is usually a wide base of support and movements are exaggerated.

Question 3

Cerebellar

Answer 3

A staggering Gait pattern seen in cerebellar disease.

Question 4

Circumduction

Answer 4

A Gait pattern characterized by a circular motion to advance the leg during swing phase, this may be used to compensate for insufficient hip or knee flexion or dorsifkexion.

Question 5

Double step

Answer 5

A Gait pattern in which alternate steps are of a different length or at a different rate. - moving different rhythm.

Question 6

Equine

Answer 6

A Gait pattern characterized by high steps; usually involves excessive activity of the gastrocnemius.

Question 7

Festinating

Answer 7

A Gait pattern where a patient walks on toes as though pushed. It starts slowly, increases and may continue until the patient grasps an object in order to stop.

Question 8

Hemiplegic

Answer 8

A Gait pattern in which patients abduct the paralyzed limb, swing it around, and bring it forward so the foot comes to the ground in front of them.

Question 9

Parkinsonian

Answer 9

A Gait pattern marked by increased forward flexion of the trunk and knees, Gait is shuffling with quick and small steps, festinating may occur.

Question 10

Scissor

Answer 10

A Gait pattern in which the kegs cross midline upon advancement.

Question 11

Spastic

Answer 11

A Gait pattern with stiff movement, toes seeming to catch and drag, legs held together, and hip and knee joints slightly flexed. Commonly seen in spastic paraplegia - (paralysis of both LE ).

Question 12

Steppage

Answer 12

A Gait pattern in which the feet and toes are lifted through hip and knee flexion to excessive heights; usually secondary to dorsiflexor weakness. The foot will slap at initial contact with the ground secondary to the decreased control.

Question 13

Tabetic

Answer 13

A high stepping ataxic Gait pattern in which the feet slap the ground.

Question 14

Trendelenburg

Answer 14

A Gait pattern that denotes gluteus medius weakness; excessive lateral trunk flexion and weight shifting over the stance leg.

Question 15

Vaulting

Answer 15

A Gait pattern where the swing leg advances by compensating through the combination of elevation of the pelvis and planted flexion of the stance leg.