Gait and Assistive Devices Flashcards
Locomotion
Getting around
Gait
Walking and running
Ambulation
Walking
Walking
Has period of double support
Running
Period of no support
What are some body structure and function changes that affect locomotion?
- Neuromusculoskeletal changes
- Cardiopulmonary changes
- Integumentary changes
What are the Rancho Los Amigos gait terminology used for?
Used in research and labs etc.
What are traditional gait terms used for?
Traditional is more like slang. Clinicians use both Rancho Los Amigos and traditional.
How many periods of double support are always in the gait cycle?
There are always two periods of double support in the gait cycle.
What happens when someone walks slowly?
When someone walks slowly, the period of double limb support is longer, and the period of single limb support is shorter.
Initial contact…
Also called heel strike. Consists of the first 3% of the gait cycle. The heel strikes the ground and begins the rotation over the heel.
Loading response…
Also called foot flat. Loading response goes from 3-12% of gait cycle. The knee flexes slightly to absorb shock as the foot falls flat on the ground, stabilizing in advance of single limb support.
Midstance…
Phase of gait where the foot assumes more of a support and overall stability role.
Terminal stance…
Also called heel off. Begins when the center of gravity is over the supporting foot and ends when the contralateral foot contacts the ground.
Preswing…
Also called toe off. The transition phase between stance and swing, in which the foot is pushed and lifted off of the ground.
Initial swing…
During initial swing, the hip, knee, and ankle are flexed to begin advancement of the limb forward and create clearance of the foot over the ground.
Mid-swing…
During mid-swing, limb advancement continues and the thigh reaches its peak advancement.
Terminal swing…
During terminal swing, the final advancement of the shank takes place and the foot is positioned for initial foot contact to start the next gait cycle.
What is measured from the initial contact of one heel to the initial contact of the other heel?
Step length
How is stride length defined?
From the contact of one heel to the next contact of the same heel.
What is a normal step width?
8-10 centimeters. It widens when someone loses stability.
Gait requires…
Controlled mobility, built upon the capacity for mobility and static stability skills.
Describe an antalgic gait
It is a painful gait, limping, and not spending time on a limb.
Describe an ataxic gait
An ataxic gait is without order. It is hesitated, uncoordinated, and usually a cerebellar issue. The cerebellum isn’t correcting movements quickly enough, so movement is not smooth. It doesn’t have to be cerebellar though.