Biomechanics & Gait

Question 1

Gait

Answer 1

translatory progression of the whole body produced by coordinated rotary movements of the body segments

Question 2

Gait Cycle

Answer 2

Heel contact of one limb to heel contact of the same limb.

Question 3

Stance Phase

Answer 3

62% of gait cycle
Heel strike of one limb to toe off of same limb
some portion of the foot in contact with the ground at all times

Includes: heel strike, foot flat, midstance, heel off, toe-off

Question 4

Swing Phase

Answer 4

38% of gait cycle
Toe-off just prior to heel strike same limb
reference limb is not in contact with the ground

Question 5

Double Limb Support

Answer 5

Both limbs in contact with the floor

Question 6

Single Limb Support

Answer 6

Only one leg in contact with the floor

Question 7

Velocity

Answer 7

Distance walked in a certain amount of time
meters/second
0.8m/s or less = pathological gait velocity

Question 8

Cadence

Answer 8

Number of steps taken per minute
110 steps/minute = normal adult

Question 9

Stride Length

Answer 9

Heel strike to heel strike of the same foot.

Question 10

Step Length

Answer 10

Heel strike to heel strike of opposing foot

Question 11

Body Mass Line of Progression

Answer 11

Body mass direction during gait

Question 12

Foot Line of Progression

Answer 12

Angle of deviation of long axis of foot from line of progression
Normal = 7-10%

Question 13

Comfortable walking speed

Answer 13

Typically, 3 mph or 80km

Question 14

Center of Gravity (COG)

Answer 14

Center of body’s mass
Located 5cm anterior to second sacral vertebrae
Displaced 5 cm horizontally and 5 cm vertically during gait

Question 15

Base of Support

Answer 15

Distance between heels

Question 16

Ataxic Gait

Answer 16

Unsteady, uncoordinated gait with wide base of support with feet through outward (drunken gait)

Question 17

Atalgic Gait

Answer 17

Limp to avoid weight bearing on injured structure
Short stance phase on injured side

Question 18

Apraxic Gait

Answer 18

Loss of ability to carry out familiar movement of gait in absence of paralysis or other motor/sensory impairment

Question 19

Trendelenburg Gait

Answer 19

Pelvis falls on unsupported side due to weakness of abductor muscles
During stance phase pelvis tilts down on opposite side
Trunk lurches toward weakened side to compensate to attempt to maintain a lateral pelvis.
usually in combination with foot drop

Question 20

Circumduction / Hemiplegic Gait

Answer 20

Hip abduction, pelvis turned outward
Knee may be hyperextended due to inappropriate quad activity
Deprives patient of shock absorbing knee flexion
arm may be flexed/abducted with minimal swing

Question 21

Festinating / Parkinsonian Gait

Answer 21

Small, accelerating steps used to move forward/ shuffling
Rigidity and hypokinesia
Posture - stooped forward

Question 22

Spastic / Diplegic Gait

Answer 22

Spasticity in LE more than upper extremity
Hips/knees flexed and abductors w/ ankles extended & internally rotated
UE held in mild/low guard position

Question 23

Neuropathic / Steppage Gait

Answer 23

Peripheral nerve disease
Weak dorsiflexors lead to high stepping gait to avoid dragging toe on the ground.

Question 24

Myopathic Gait

Answer 24

Proximal pelvic girdle muscles are weak - can’t stabilize the pelvis as they lift their leg.
Pelvis turns toward non-weight bearing side = waddle

Question 25

Scissor Gait

Answer 25

associated with spastic cerebral palsy, hypertonia in legs, hips, pelvis = become flexed to various degrees
Abductors become weak from lack of use
Walks on tip toes

Question 26

Choreiform Gait

Answer 26

Basal ganglia disorders
Irregular, jerky, involuntary movements in upper/lower extremities

Question 27

Determinants of Gait (6)

Answer 27

Pelvic Rotation
Pelvic Tilt
Lateral Pelvic Motion
Knee Flexion
Knee / Foot & Ankle motion
Lateral pelvic displacement