Foot & Ankle Gait

Question 1

How do we measure the gait?

Answer 1

We go to the end of the phase, stop it, and that’s where we take the measurements.

Question 2

Where do we measure ROM?

Answer 2

We should calculate ROM at beginning and end of phase

Question 3

Initial Contact

Answer 3

0 deg DF/0 deg PF
Ankle
– Neutral
– Facilitates heel rocker

Question 4

Loading Response

Answer 4

Ankle
– 0 10° PF
– Part of heel rocker mechanism
– Facilitates the objective of forward progression

Question 5

If there is no heel contact…

Answer 5

there can be no heel rocker.

Question 6

Mid Stance

Answer 6

Ankle
– 10° PF - 5° DF
– Facilitates the objective of progression of COM over the base of support
- ankle rocker
ROM: 15 deg of DF
position of ankle at end: 5 deg of DF

Question 7

Terminal Stance

Answer 7

Ankle
– 5° - 10° DF
– Facilitates the objective of progression of COM beyond the base of support
- toe rocker
ankle continues to DF
ROM: 5 deg of DF 
position: 10 deg DF
max position you will achieve at the ankle during gait cycle

Question 8

When does DF occur?

Answer 8

DF is occurring with heel off of ground.

Question 9

Ankle motion is fundamental to what critical event?

Answer 9

Forward progression.

Question 10

Pre Swing

Answer 10

Ankle
– 10° DF - 20° PF
- most rapid motion, most movement in ankle
- no critical event in this stage
ROM: 30 deg PF
position: 20 deg PF

Question 11

Initial Swing

Answer 11

Ankle
– 20° - 5° PF
- not quite neutral
position: 5 deg PF
ROM: 15 deg DF

Question 12

Mid Swing

Answer 12

Ankle
– 5° PF - 0°
– Facilitates the objective of foot clearance
- by end of mid swing, foot should be equal

Question 13

Terminal Swing

Answer 13

Ankle
– Neutral
– Facilitates the objective of preparing the limb for stance (heel contact)

Question 14

Where can pronation or supination occur?

Answer 14

Mid foot or rear foot

Question 15

Initial Contact movement:

Answer 15

Foot: 3-5 degrees supination

Question 16

Loading Response movement:

Answer 16

Front foot Pronation to neutral, Rear foot eversion 4-6 degrees

Question 17

Midstance-Terminal Stance movement:

Answer 17

Foot: Pronation to neutral (or slight inversion)

Question 18

Pronation in loading response/mid stance is important for:

Answer 18

– Shock absorption
• Pronation results in the unlocking of the midtarsal joints turning the foot into a “mobile adaptor”
– Stance stability (more foot in contact with floor)

Question 19

Supination in midstance/terminal stance is important for:

Answer 19

• Facilitates progression of COM beyond the base of support (forefoot rocker)
  • Supination results in locking of midtarsal joints turning the foot into a “rigid lever”

Question 20

Foot pronation facilitates:

Answer 20

tibia internal rotation (cause talus to rotate a few degrees)

Question 21

Loading response muscle control:

Answer 21

PF Moment/torque
DFr’s&raquo_space; Eccentric (to counteract torque)
Tibialis anterior, Ext hallucis Longus, Ext digitorum