Gait Flashcards
define “gait”
fundamental unit of walking: occurs through both time and space
begins when the heel of the ‘reference leg’ contacts the supporting surface (floor)
ends when same heel contacts the ground once more
the gait cycle has how many periods? What are they?
2 periods: Stance phase (60%) and Swing phase (40%)
Define ‘Initial Double Limb Stance’
beginning of gait cycle: the leading limb is transferring weight to the other trailing limb while both are still in contact with the ground
Define ‘Terminal Double Limb Stance’
end of gait cycle: the trailing limb is transferring weight to the leading limb while both are in contact with the ground
Define ‘Single Limb Stance’
Occurs between the 2 double limb stances: only one leg contacts with the ground
define ‘Stride’
one left step + one right step
aka: one complete gait cycle
define ‘STEP Length’
the distance from the heel strike of one extremity to the heel strike of the OTHER extremity
define ‘STRIDE Length’
distance from the heel strike of one extremity to the next heel strike of that SAME extremity
Name, in order, the 8 gait phases
1) Initial Contact (the heel strike)
2) Loading Response (foot flat)
3) Mid Stance (midstance)
4) Terminal Stance (heel off)
5) Pre-swing (toe off)
6) Initial Swing (acceleration)
7) Mid Swing (midswing)
8) Terminal Swing (deceleration)
* *these phases all occur relative to one side of the body
describe Initial Contact (phase 1)
when outstretched limb touches the ground
typically, the heel hits first
first part of the Initial Double Limb Stance
describe Loading Response (phase 2)
Weight shift rapidly from trailing limb TO leading limb
Hip remains stable, knee flexes to absorb shock, forefoot lowers to the ground (foot flat)
2nd part of initial double limb stance
Ends when opposite limb leaves the ground
describe Midstance (phase 3)
Trunk moves forward, placing weight over single stable limb.
First half of single limb stance
Body passes directly over the reference extremity
describe Terminal Stance (phase 4)
Trunk continues moving forward relative to foot
Heel rises from ground, leading limb becomes the trailing limb
Second half of single limb stance
describe Pre-swing (phase 5)
begins when the only the toes of the reference limb are touching the ground
Body weight rapidly unloads from reference limb as limb prepares for swing
Ends with toe-off
describe Initial Swing (phase 6)
Starts when reference limb leaves the ground
Hip, knee and ankle rapidly flex for clearance and advancement
This is the initial 1/3 of swing
describe Mid Swing (phase 7)
Thigh moves forward
Knee begins to extend, ankle neutral
Middle 1/3 of swing phase
Terminal Swing (phase 8)
Last 1/3 of swing phase
Knee fully extended, ankle remains neutral in preparation for initial contact
Ends when foot touches the ground.
what causes foot slap (foot-drop?) when does it occur?
occurs during Loading Response
due to weak dorsiflexors
what deviations may occur during swing phase?
- foot dragging (weak doriflexors, spastic or contracted plantarflexors, inadequate knee/hip flexion)
- excessive hip flexion (compensating to aid in foot swing)
other deviations may include:
- Knee hyperextension (weak quads)
- Circumduction (compensating for weak hip flexors or for inability to shorten leg forclearance)
- Backward trunk lean (weak gluteus max, assist limb advancement due to limited hip flexor capability)
- Forward trunk lean (weak quads)
what gait deviations include weak hip abductors
- Lateral trunk lean (gluteus medius lurch)
- Pelvic drop (Trendelenberg gait)
what happens during pelvic/hip hike?
elevates ipsilateral iliac crest (vaulting due to leg length discrepancy
