Gait Flashcards
What Is Gait?
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
Define ‘Step Length’
The distance between the heel strike of one foot the heel strike of the contralateral foot.
Define ‘Stride Length’
The distance between 2 heel strikes of the same foot.
Define ‘Angle of Toe-Out”
When walking, the toes will outwardly point by 8-15 degrees.
Define ‘Width of Base’
The horizontal distance between both feet during double support (2-4 inches wide).
What is Gait Analysis?
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).
Why Study The Normal Gait Cycle?
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.
2 Periods of Gait and Their Percentages
Stance (60%)
Swing (40%)
Name The 3 Tasks During Gait
Weight Acceptance
Single Limb Support
Limb Advancement
Name The 8 Phases of Gait & Categorise Within The 2 Periods
Stance Phase: Initial Contact Loading Response Midstance Terminal Stance Pre-Swing
Swing Phase:
Initial Swing
Mid-Swing
Terminal Swing
Define ‘Stance Phase’
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.
Define ‘Swing Phase’
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.
Define ‘Kinematics’
The branch of mechanics that deals with pure motion, without reference to the masses or forces involved in it (Movement).
Define ‘Kinetics’
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).
Define ‘Inital Contact’ & Its % in the Gait Cycle
Begins when the heel strikes the ground (0-2%)
What Task is Performed in Initial Contact?
Weight Acceptance
Describe The Performance & Function of The Ankle/Foot During Initial Contact
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.
Describe The Performance & Function of The Knee in Initial Contact
Knee is flexed (5 degrees) but starting to extend as the quadriceps concentrically contract. Hamstrings contract eccentrically controlling the rate of knee extension.
Purpose of Pronation in Gait
Mobility
Purpose of Supination in Gait
Stability
State The Efficiency of Gait
Stability in Stance Means of Progression Energy Efficiency (Momentum) Sufficient Foot Clearance in Swing Adequate Swing Phase to Re-Position Limb For IC
Name The 3 Paradigms
Root Approach
Tissue Stress Theory
Sagittal Plane Theory
Sagittal Plane Motion is….
The most importance function during the gait cycle
Name The 3 Theories of The Sagittal Plane Approach
Rocker Theory (Perry, 1992) Propulsive Axes (Bojsen-Moller, 1970s) Considered Treatment (Dananberg, 1990s)
