Gait Flashcards
What are three purposes of gait?
weight bearing
locomotion
maintenance of equilibrium
What are some features of a slow walk?
feet spread out to form wide base of support arms and legs swing less steps shorten trunk stops rotating body shift laterally with each step
What are some features of a fast walk?
feet close together greater arm swing longer stride length greater rotation of the trunk body translates forward with synchronicity
What are the two phases of the gait cycle, how much time is spent in each on average?
stance phase (60%) swing phase (40%)
What four things occur during stance phase?
heel strike
foot flat
mid stance
push off (heel-off, toe-off)
What three things occur during swing phase?
acceleration
mid-swing
deceleration
What is occurring during heel-strike of the right foot?
head and trunk are vertical
R arm is posterior to midline, elbow extended
L arm is anterior, elbow partially flexed
Pelvis has slight anterior rotation
R knee extended, R foot at right angle to the leg
plantar surface of the R foot visible
When does foot-flat occur?
immediately after heel-strike, the sole of the foot contacts the floor
What is occurring during mid-stance of the right foot?
body passes directly over the R leg, full weight-bearing
head and trunk are vertical
arms near midline, elbows partially flexed
pelvis has very slight anterior rotation
R knee in slight flexion
During gait the pelvis drops down on the side of which leg?
the swing leg (about 5 degrees drop)
If the pelvis rotates clockwise during gait, the thorax will move:
counterclockwise
How much pelvic shift generally occurs during a normal gait?
1-2 inches
What is the average width of base of support?
2-4 inches
What is the difference between step length and stride length?
step length is the distance from one foot strike to the next
stride length is one gait cycle- between heel strike of the same foot, two steps
