Functional Upright Mobility Deficits in Neuromuscular Disorders Flashcards
factors contributing to functional upright mobility:
individual variables
mobility task & regulatory features
environmental variables
individual variables:
age
prior experience
motor abilities
diagnosis
motivation
primary impairments
secondary impairments
mobility tasks:
walking, stair climbing, inclines, curbs, obstacle negotiation, single or dual task
regulatory features:
surface conditions
object characteristics
changes in regulatory conditions between attempts
environmental variables:
moving or stationary environment
changes in regulatory conditions between attempts
Examination of Gait/Upright Mobility
observational gait analysis
digitial video recording
Gait/Upright Mobility
Outcome Measures:
Gait Speed (10MWT), Endurance (6MWT)
FGA, DGI
FIM, Functional Ambulation Category
(FAC), Walking Index for SCI (WISCI II)
HiMAT
Three essential requirements for successful locomotion:
Progression (moving through space)
Postural control (upright)
Adaptation (to the environment)
Stance Phase:
This phase begins when the heel strikes the ground and ends when the toe lifts off
It accounts for about 60% of the gait cycle
subdivisions of stance phase:
Initial Contact: The moment the heel touches the ground.
Loading Response: The period when the foot continues to sink into the ground and absorb shock.
Midstance: When the body weight is directly over the supporting leg.
Terminal Stance: When the heel begins to lift off and the body moves forward.
Pre-Swing: When the toe is about to leave the ground.
Swing Phase:
This phase starts when the toe leaves the ground and ends when the heel touches down again
It makes up about 40% of the gait cycle
subdivisions of swing phase:
Initial Swing: When the leg begins to lift off the ground.
Midswing: When the leg is moving forward and is directly under the body.
Terminal Swing: When the leg is decelerating in preparation for the next heel strike.
4 Biomechanical Subcomponents of Gait:
Propulsion
Stance control
Limb advancement/swing
Postural/Lateral stability
Propulsion –
redirect falling COM to kinetic energy; drivers: plantar flexors
*greatest metabolic cost of walking
42-48% of total metabolic cost
force and mechanisms involved in moving the body forward = occurs during the push-off phase of the gait cycle
During the terminal stance and pre-swing phases, the body utilizes the muscles of the calf (gastrocnemius and soleus) and the elastic recoil of the Achilles tendon to generate forward momentum
Stance Control -
maintenance of upright posture; passive vs. active support
ability to maintain balance and stability while one foot is in contact with the ground
ensures that the body weight is effectively supported and managed during the stance phase of the gait cycle
control of ground reaction forces, joint stability, and shock absorption
body relies on the musculoskeletal system, including muscles, tendons, and ligaments, to absorb impact and maintain equilibrium during the initial contact, loading response, and midstance phases of gait
Active Stance Control
dynamic and voluntary use of muscles to stabilize the body and manage balance during the stance phase of gait
muscles actively contract to provide stability and manage ground reaction forces = quadriceps, hamstrings, gluteal muscles, and calf muscles
central nervous system (CNS) plays a crucial role in coordinating muscle activity to adjust posture, maintain balance, and adapt to changes in the terrain or gait speed
Active stance control relies on _____ to make real-time adjustments in muscle activity and body posture.
sensory feedback (proprioception, visual input)
For example, if you encounter an uneven surface, the muscles actively adjust to maintain stability.
Passive Stance Control
“hang out on ligaments”
stabilization provided by the body’s structural and mechanical properties without active muscle engagement
involves the inherent mechanical properties of the joints, tendons, and ligaments
Passive control is influenced by the elastic properties of tendons and ligaments, as well as the mechanical alignment of the joints
natural alignment and distribution of body mass contribute to passive stability
body’s response to gravity and ground reaction forces without requiring active muscle contractions
In practice, both active and passive mechanisms work together to maintain stability during the stance phase:
passive control provides a baseline of stability and support, active control allows for dynamic adjustments and fine-tuning of balance and posture
while standing on a flat surface, passive structures maintain stability, but active muscle engagement is needed for fine adjustments and responses to external perturbations
Limb advancement/swing –
progression of non-weight bearing limb to accept weight; drivers: hip flexors
movement of the leg forward during the swing phase of the gait cycle, preparing it for the next step
muscles of the hip (hip flexors) and knee (hamstrings) work to lift and advance the leg
motion is facilitated by the coordination of muscle contractions and the passive pendulum-like swing of the leg
ensures that the foot clears the ground and positions itself for the next heel strike
Postural/Lateral stability –
altered foot position to reduce lateral COM movement
maintaining balance and stability while shifting weight from one foot to the other and ensuring that the body remains upright and aligned
control of lateral movements and balance adjustments to prevent excessive swaying or tilting
Common Gait Deviations - Stroke (Ankle/Foot)
stance
- foot slap
- forefoot/ flat foot contact
- equinus gait (heel does not touch ground)
- no/decreased heel off (decreased propulsion)
swing
- Foot drop/drag
- Persistent equinus
foot slap =
Occur in: Initial Contact to Loading Response (more LR)
occurs as the foot makes initial contact with the ground and during the early phase of weight acceptance
heel strikes the ground with an uncontrolled force due to weakness in the dorsiflexors
sudden and uncontrolled contact of the heel with the ground, creating a slapping noise
usually occurs because of weakness in the dorsiflexor muscles (e.g., tibialis anterior)
Increases the risk of tripping and reduces stability during walking
Forefoot/Flat Foot Contact =
Occur in: Initial Contact to Loading Response (more IC)
deviation happens when the foot lands flat or on the forefoot rather than the heel, affecting the initial phase of weight acceptance and shock absorption
Instead of the heel making initial contact with the ground, the foot lands on the forefoot or entire foot
can occur due to weakness or spasticity affecting the ankle dorsiflexors and/or plantarflexors
Reduces shock absorption and may lead to inefficient gait mechanics and discomfort
Weak DF or spasticity of PF, excessive knee flexion