Gait and posture Flashcards
What is gait?
The way you walk
Translocation centre of body mass in the direction of locomotion
What is normal posture like?
Symmetrical
Individual gait displays variations
What varies in individuals gait?
Stride length
Pelvic movement
Upper body position
What individual factors affect gait?
Weight - ↑ = waddling, joint pain Height Pelvic size Pain Age Feet/Shoes Alcohol Clothing
What does normal gait rely on?
Joints Muscles Nerves Vision Vestibular/auditory system
How does gait change in the elderly?
↓ speed ↓ stride length ↓ arm swing ↓ rotation of the pelvis ↑ time with feet on the floor ↑ stooped forward ↑ shuffle
In the simplest terms, how does standing minimise energy expenditure?
↓ muscle contraction
↑ stability
Where is the line of gravity when standing?
Anterior to S2 vertebrae
Slightly posterior to hip joint
Anterior to knee and ankle joint
Which muscles counteract the ‘swaying forward’ action due to the centre of gravity?
plantar flexor muscles, particularly soleus
What are the 2 phases of the gait cycle?
Stance phase
Swing phase
Lateral shift is minimised by what group of muscles?
Adductors
What part of the body is essential for ‘toe off’?
Hallux
Name conditions/diseases in which gait is affected?
Cerebral palsy Blouts disease Cerebellar ataxia Hemiparesis Parkinsons Pain Sensory neuropathies Hypermobility - Marfans Pes cavus Rheumatoid arthritis
What is the name of the gait that presents in Parkinsons disease and what are it’s features?
Festinating gait
Struggle to start/end movements
Small. shuffling steps
Describe the gait in someone with cerebral palsy
asymmetrical
Flexion of knee
plantarflexion of foot
