Gait Flashcards
Hip flexion requirements
30 degrees
Hip extension required
10
Knee flexion required
60 degrees
Knee extension required
0 degrees
Ankle dorsiflexion required
10 degrees
Ankle plantarflexion required
20 degrees
Tibialis anterior peak activity
Just after heel strike. Eccentric lowering of the foot into plantarflexion
Peak activity of gastroc soleus
Late stance phase. Concentric raising of the heel during toe off
Quadriceps peak activity
2 periods: single support during early stance phase; prior to toe off to initiate swing phase
Hamstrings peak activity
Late swing phase, decelerating unsupported limb
Antalgic gait pattern
Involved step length is decreased in order to avoid weight bearing on the involved side, secondary to pain
Ataxic
Staggering and unsteadiness. There is usually a wide base of support and movements are exaggerated
Cerebellar gait pattern
Staggering gait pattern seen in Cerebellar diseases
Circumduction
Gait pattern characterized by a circular motion to advance the leg during swing phase; this may be used to compensate for insufficient hip or knee flexion or dorsiflexion
Double step gait pattern
Alternate steps are of a different length or at a different rate
Equine gait pattern
High steps; usually involves excessive activity of the gastrocnemius
Festinating gait pattern
Walks on toes as though pushed. It starts slowly, increases, and may continue until the patient grasps an object in order to stop.
Hemiplegic
Patients abduct the paralyzed limb, swing it around, and bring it forward so the foot comes to the ground in front of them.
Parkinsonian gait pattern
Increased forward flexion of the trunk and knees. Gait is shuffling with quick and small steps. Festinating may occur
Scissor
Legs cross midline upon advancement
Spastic gait pattern
Stiff movement, toes seem to catch and drag, legs held together and hip and knee joints slightly flexed. Commonly seen in spastic paraplegia
Steppage gait pattern
Feet and toes are lifted through hip and knee flexion to excessive heights; usually secondary to dorsi flexor weakness. The foot will slap at initial contact with the ground due to decreased control
Tabetic gait pattern
High stepping ataxic gait pattern in which the feet slap the ground
Trendelenburg gait pattern
Denotes gluteus medius weakness; excessive lateral trunk flexion and weight shifting over the stance leg