Functional Anatomy of the Lower Limbs Flashcards
What is stride length?
the distance between two successive heel contacts of the same foot (1 stride length = 1 gait cycle)
What is step length?
distance between heel contacts of each foot
What are the periods of stride?
loading response
mild stance
terminal stance
pre-swing
initial swing
mid swing
terminal swing
What is step width?
distance between heel centers of two consecutive heel contacts
What is the toe-out angle?
angle between the line of progression of the body and the long axis of the foot
cadence vs walking speed
cadence = number of steps a minute
walking speed = distance covered/time
What factors affect gait speed?
age
height
weight
speed may be the best and most functional measure of an individual’s walking ability
What are the two strategies to increase walking speed?
increase stride length
increase cadence
What is the role of th gluteus medius?
stabilization of the hip
prevents hip drop
stance phase vs. swing phase
stance phase is 0-60% of a step
swing phase is 60-100% of a step
What muscles are involved with 0%-heel strike of gait?
quadriceps, hamstrings, dorsiflexors
most of the muscle activity is eccentric
What is the muscle activity of the loading phase (0-10%)?
quadriceps and gluteals
supportive roles
What is the muscle activity of mid-stance (10-30%)?
gluteus medius
gastrocnemius (works eccentrically to control tibia movement)
soleus
in gait, some hip drop is normal (5 degrees is normal)
What is the muscle activity of the terminal stance (30-50%)?
gastrocnemius
soleus
What is the muscle activity in the pre-swing phase (50-60%)?
adductor longus
rectus femoris
