Gait

Question 1

Define gait

Answer 1

A series of rhythmical, alternating movements of the trunk and limbs which result in the forward progression of the centre of gravity and they body

Question 2

Define gait cycle

Answer 2

Single sequence of functions by one limb. It begins when the reference foot strikes the ground and ends when the same foot strikes the ground again

Question 3

Walking Phases (stance phase, swing phase, double support, single support, foot positions)

Answer 3

Stance phase is when the foot is on the ground. Swing phase is when the foot is in the air. Double support is when both feet are on the ground. Single support is when only one foot is on the ground.

Question 4

Walking muscles (7)

Answer 4

Iliopsoas, gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, hamstrings, quadriceps, pretibial muscles, calf muscles

Question 5

Define Kinematics

Answer 5

The branch of dynamics concerned with the description of movement

Question 6

Define Kinetics

Answer 6

The branch of dynamics concerned with the forces that cause or tend to cause motion

Question 7

Define running

Answer 7

Similar to running but two major differences. Toe off occurs before heel strike of opposite foot (there is time where both feet are off the ground). The COG position is different at heel strike

Question 8

Where is the COG during walking?

Answer 8

Far behind the foot at heel strike

Question 9

Where is the COG during jogging?

Answer 9

Closer to the foot

Question 10

Where is the COG during sprinting?

Answer 10

Above the foot

Question 11

Variations in Gait (5)

Answer 11

Knock-kneed (Genu valgum) or bow-legged (genu varum), forward or backward variations in weight distribution, personality, age, obesity

Question 12

Gait Assessment (7)

Answer 12

Symmetry of heel strikes and toe offs
Rotation of legs (internal & external)
Levelness of hips – rotation of hips
Lateral tilt of trunk - rotation of trunk
Levelness of shoulders
Symmetry of arm swing
Position of head & neck

Question 13

Define Antalgic gait

Answer 13

Antalgic Gait = distinctive gait pattern that attempts to avoid bearing weight on painful hip, knee, or foot. (Stereotypical limp)
The stance phase is abnormally shortened relative to the swing phase.

Question 14

Define Steppage gait

Answer 14

Foot drop (weak dorsiflexion)
There are neurological causes
No heel strike, toe drops to ground first
Patient excessively flexes hip and knee to raise foot off the ground
Foot “slaps” the ground forcibly

Question 15

Define Hemiplegic gait

Answer 15

Unilateral weakness on one side of the body and hypertonicity
Common in stroke patients
The arm will by flexed and adducted
Leg on the same side extended, medially rotated, and foot is plantarflexed
Walks with arm held to side and leg is dragged in semicircle (circumduction)

Question 16

Define Diplegic gait

Answer 16

Weakness on both sides of the body and spasticity in legs worse than arms
This is commonly seen in cerebral palsy
The walk has an abnormally narrow base, dragging both legs, and scraping the toes
Commonly known as the “scissor gait”

Question 17

Define Trendelenberg gait

Answer 17

Abnormal gait pattern resulting from a defective hip abductor (unilateral or bilateral)
Weak gluteus medius and gluteus minimus
Caused by superior gluteal nerve damage
Weakness causes drooping of the pelvis to the contralateral side while walking
(There is an inability to maintain a level pelvis)