Abnormal Gait Patterns/Deviations Flashcards
Describe an antalgic gait pattern.
A protective gait pattern where the involved step is decreased in order to avoid weight bearing on the involved side usually secondary to pain.
Describe an ataxic gait pattern.
A gait patter characterized by staggering and unsteadiness. There is usually a wide BOS and movements are exaggerated.
What is circumduction? What may it be a compensation for?
A gait pattern characterized by a circular motion to advance the leg during the swing phase.
May be used to compensate for insufficient hip/knee flexion and dorsiflexion.
What is a double step?
A gait pattern in which alternate steps are of a different length or a different rate.
What is equine gait? What muscle is typically overactive with this gait pattern?
A gait pattern characterized by high steps
Usually involves excessive activity of the gastrocnemius
Describe a festinating gait pattern.
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.
Describe a hemiplegic gait pattern.
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.
Describe a Parkinsonian gait pattern.
A gait pattern marked by increased forward flexion of the trunk and knees; gait is shuffling with quick and small steps; festinating may occur.
Describe a scissor gait pattern.
A gait pattern in which the legs cross midline upon advancement.
Describe a spastic gait pattern. What population is this commonly seen in?
A gait pattern with stiff movement, toes seeming to catch and drag, legs held together, and hip and knee joints slightly flexed.
Seen in patients with spastic paraplegia
Describe a steppage gait pattern. What is the likely cause of this gait pattern?
A gait pattern in which the feet and toes are lifted through hip and knee flexion to excessive heights. The foot will slap at intial contact secondary to decreased control.
Usually due to dorsiflexor weakness
What is a tabetic gait pattern?
A high stepping ataxic gait pattern in which the feet slap the ground.
Describe a Trendelenburg gait pattern. What muscle is likely weak in patients who exhibit this pattern?
A gait pattern that denotes gluteus medius weakness; excessive lateral trunk flexion and weight shifting over the stance leg.
Describe vaulting.
A gait pattern where the swing leg advances by compensating through the combination of elevation of the pelvis and plantarflexion of the stance leg.
What may cause a foot slap? (2)
Dorsiflexor weakness
Dorsiflexor paralysis
What may cause toe down instead of heel strike? (6)
Plantar flexor spasticity Plantar flexor contracture Dorsiflexor weakness Dorsiflexor paralysis Leg length discrepancy Hindfoot pain
What may cause clawing of toes? (2)
Toe flexor spasticity
Positive support reflex
What may cause a heel lift during midstance? (2)
Insufficient dorsiflexion ROM
Plantar flexor spasticity
What may cause no toe off to be present? (4)
Forefoot/toe pain
Weak plantar flexors
Weak toe flexors
Insufficient plantarflexion ROM
What may cause exaggerated knee flexion at contact? (4)
Weak quadriceps
Quadriceps paralysis
Hamstring spasticity
Insufficient extension ROM
What may cause hyperextension in stance? (2)
Compensation for weak quadriceps
Plantarflexion contracture
What may cause exaggerated knee flexion at terminal stance? (2)
Knee flexion contracture
Hip flexion contracture
What may cause insufficient knee flexion with swing? (4)
Knee effusion
Quadriceps spasticity
Plantar flexor spasticity
Insufficient flexion ROM
What may cause excessive flexion with swing? (2)
Flexor withdrawal reflex
LE flexor synergy
What may cause insufficient hip flexion at intial contact? (4)
Weak hip flexors
Hip flexor paralysis
Hip extensor spasticity
Insufficient hip flexion ROM
What may cause insufficient hip extension at stance? (3)
Insufficient hip extension ROM
Hip flexion contracture
LE flexor synergy
What may cause circumduction during swing? (3)
Compensation for weak hip flexors
Compensation for weak dorsiflexors
Compensation for weak hamstrings
What may cause hip hiking during swing? (3)
Compensation for weak dorsiflexors
Compensation for weak knee flexors
Compensation for extensors synergy pattern
What may cause exaggerated hip flexion during swing? (2)
Compensation for insufficient ankle dorsiflexion
LE flexor synergy
What may cause a lateral trunk lean? (2)
Hip pain
Compensation for weak gluteus medius (Trendelenburg gait)
What may cause a backward trunk lean? (1)
Compensation for weak gluteus maximus
What may cause a forward trunk lean? (2)
Compensation for weak quadriceps
Hip and knee flexion contractures
What may cause equinovarus (club foot)? (2)
Developmental abnormality
Spasticity of the posterior tibialis and or gastric/soleus
