Gait

Question 1

what is gait?

Answer 1

Translation of body in space from one point to another

Question 2

what are the phases of gait?

Answer 2

Stance phase - the foot is in contact with the floor (60%) - starts initial contact
Swing phase - the foot is no longer in contact with the floor (40%) - starts from toe off

Question 3

what are the pre-requisites of gait?

Answer 3

PACES
Prepositioning of foot
Adequate step length
Clearance in swing
Energy conservation
Stability in stance

Question 4

When does double limb support occur?

Answer 4

Stance phase - as 2 x periods of time, each one consisting of 10% of the phase

Question 5

what is kinematics? how is it different from kinetics?

Answer 5

Kinematics is the study of motion
Kinetics involves moments and forces

Question 6

Define:
-step?
- stride?
- cadence?
- float phase? when is it encountered?

Answer 6

Step - advancement of single foot
Stride - advancement of both feet (1 step each foot)
Cadence - steps/min
Float phase - when both feet off the ground - during running

Question 7

what mechanisms keep the Centre of gravity constant?

Question 8

how can you minimise energy excursion?

Answer 8

1) minimise excursion of the centre of gravity
2) control of momentum (eccentric contraction)
3) Transfer of energy between limb and body segments

Question 9

what happens in antalgic gait?

Answer 9

Short stance phase
Gentler heel strike on affected side

Question 10

describe the rockers of gait?

Answer 10

1)Initial Contact - heel is the fulcrum - deceleration occurs through eccentric contraction
2) Mid-stance (ankle is fulcrum)
3)Terminal Stance (metatarsal heads are fulcrum) - acceleration through concentric contraction

Question 11

How does a GRAFO work?

Answer 11

1) it is the same design as a standard AFO with a solid anterior tibial strap
2) it counteracts the flexion moment of the GRF about knee and ankle joints during the stance phase
3) it is used in patients with weak gastrocnemius such as in CP
4) it minimises anterior tibial progression because this would normally be controlled by eccentric contraction of gastrocnemius

Question 12

What are the phases of stance?

Answer 12

There are four phases in the stance phase:
1)Initial contact - heel strike
- hip extensors contract
- quadriceps and tibialis anterior contract eccentrically
2) Loading response - 1st double contact
- transfer of weight to supporting limb
- occurs until other leg toe off
- ankle dorsiflexor (TA) contract eccentrically to control plantar flexion moment
- Quads contract - to stabilise knee and counteract knee moment
3)