Gait

Question 1

What Is Gait?

Answer 1

A method of locomotion involving the use of two legs, alternately to provide both support & propulsion. Walking Pattern = The movement of a single limb from heel strike to heel strike

Question 2

Define ‘Step Length’

Answer 2

The distance between the heel strike of one foot the heel strike of the contralateral foot.

Question 3

Define ‘Stride Length’

Answer 3

The distance between 2 heel strikes of the same foot.

Question 4

Define ‘Angle of Toe-Out”

Answer 4

When walking, the toes will outwardly point by 8-15 degrees.

Question 5

Define ‘Width of Base’

Answer 5

The horizontal distance between both feet during double support (2-4 inches wide).

Question 6

What is Gait Analysis?

Answer 6

The systemic measurement, description, and assessment of the quantities that characterise human locomotion. It is the evaluation of a subject’s walking pattern (Gage, 1995).

Question 7

Why Study The Normal Gait Cycle?

Answer 7

One must study the normal or natural cause of a studied phenomenon before attempting to describe and study the pathologic or abnormal. To identify, understand & treat lower limb conditions related to abnormal gait mechanics, we must first understand normal function.

Question 8

2 Periods of Gait and Their Percentages

Answer 8

Stance (60%)

Swing (40%)

Question 9

Name The 3 Tasks During Gait

Answer 9

Weight Acceptance
Single Limb Support
Limb Advancement

Question 10

Name The 8 Phases of Gait & Categorise Within The 2 Periods

Answer 10

Stance Phase:
Initial Contact 
Loading Response 
Midstance 
Terminal Stance 
Pre-Swing 

Swing Phase:
Initial Swing
Mid-Swing
Terminal Swing

Question 11

Define ‘Stance Phase’

Answer 11

The period of time one foot is in contact with the ground. Begins when the foot contacts the ground & ends when the same foot leaves the ground.

Question 12

Define ‘Swing Phase’

Answer 12

The period of time one foot is not in contact with the ground. Begins when the foot leaves the ground & ends when the same foot contacts the ground.

Question 13

Define ‘Kinematics’

Answer 13

The branch of mechanics that deals with pure motion, without reference to the masses or forces involved in it (Movement).

Question 14

Define ‘Kinetics’

Answer 14

The branch of mechanics that deals with the actions of forces in producing or changing the motion of masses (Muscles working together to produce movement).

Question 15

Define ‘Inital Contact’ & Its % in the Gait Cycle

Answer 15

Begins when the heel strikes the ground (0-2%)

Question 16

What Task is Performed in Initial Contact?

Answer 16

Weight Acceptance

Question 17

Describe The Performance & Function of The Ankle/Foot During Initial Contact

Answer 17

The Ankle moves from dorsiflexion to neutral position with 5 degrees of supination. Tibialis anterior contracts eccentrically to control the rate of plantarflexion.
Calcaneus absorbs shock.
Ankle Rocker initiated.

Question 18

Describe The Performance & Function of The Knee in Initial Contact

Answer 18

Knee is flexed (5 degrees) but starting to extend as the quadriceps concentrically contract. Hamstrings contract eccentrically controlling the rate of knee extension.

Question 19

Purpose of Pronation in Gait

Answer 19

Mobility

Question 20

Purpose of Supination in Gait

Answer 20

Stability

Question 21

State The Efficiency of Gait

Answer 21

Stability in Stance
Means of Progression 
Energy Efficiency (Momentum)
Sufficient Foot Clearance in Swing 
Adequate Swing Phase to Re-Position Limb For IC

Question 22

Name The 3 Paradigms

Answer 22

Root Approach
Tissue Stress Theory
Sagittal Plane Theory

Question 23

Sagittal Plane Motion is….

Answer 23

The most importance function during the gait cycle

Question 24

Name The 3 Theories of The Sagittal Plane Approach

Answer 24

Rocker Theory (Perry, 1992)
Propulsive Axes (Bojsen-Moller, 1970s)
Considered Treatment (Dananberg, 1990s)

Question 25

Purpose of The 3 Rockers

Answer 25

Gait progession over the supporting limb

Question 26

Heel Rocker

Answer 26

Acts as the fulcrum as the foot rolls into plantar flexion.

The anterior calf muscles eccentrically contract to decelerate the foot drop and pull the tibia forward.

Question 27

Ankle Rocker

Answer 27

The ankle is the fulcrum and the tibia rolls forward due to forward momentum.
The soleus eccentrically contracts to decelerate the forward progression of the tibia over the talus.

Question 28

Forefoot Rocker

Answer 28

The 1st MTPJ acts as the fulcrum to bring about forward progression as part of the propulsive phase of gait.
Along with forwarding momentum, active contraction of the posterior compartment muscles and windlass effect of the plantar fascia result in heel lift.