Gait Running, CoM analysing gait/assess.

Question 1

When analysing gait, what is being assessed? (hint: there are 6 ;))

Answer 1

1. Support time
2. Cadence
3. Velocity
4. Stride length/symmetry
5. Step length/ symmetry
6. Muscular activity, Joint angels and ground reaction forces.

Question 2

How can a walking gait be assessed?

Answer 2

Simple observation:
Frontal plane abnormalities (truck sway, Hip adduction/abduction/rotation)
Sagittal Plane abnormalities (pelvic tilt, flexion and extension of the hip, knee and ankle)

Gait laboratory: (can rewind/ fast-forward/ pause).

3D analysis (kinematics/range of motion)
EMG (muscle activity using the correct muscles)
Force platform (weight distribution, Ground reaction forces).

Question 3

Explain the first step when analysing gait.

Answer 3

1. Support time: (stance phase)
   To work out support time, minus the terminal stance peak with the loading stance peak on the velocity force graph.

Question 4

What are the periods of support during the first step of a walking assessment in a stance and swing phase?

Answer 4

There are two periods of double support and two periods of single support during stance phase and swing phase.

Question 5

What is cadence?

Answer 5

The number of steps (two steps per gait cycle) a person takes every minute.

Question 6

How do you calculate cadence?

Answer 6

Cadence = (steps/Time) X 60 (minutes)=

Question 7

Work out the cadence: A person tales 12 steps in 9 seconds.

Answer 7

(12/9)x60 = 80 steps/min

Question 8

Step length and symmetry: How is it calculated?

Answer 8

Symmetry= smallest step length/ Largest step length.
e.g. symmetry = 50cm/60cm = 0.83

(1 represents perfect symmetry)

Question 9

What is step length?

Answer 9

The distance between an initial contact of one foot to the initial contact of the contralateral foot.

Question 10

What is stride length?

Answer 10

It is measured from two successive places on the same foot. i.e two heel strikes( initial contact followed by initial contact on the same limb)

Question 11

Stride symmetry can be calculated how?

Answer 11

smaller stride length / larger stride length =

Question 12

How do you calculate gait velocity?

Answer 12

(Step length [m] X cadence[steps/min]) /60. = m.s

Question 13

A person walking with a cadence of 40 steps/min and their step length was 0.7m (70cm) what is their gait velocity?

Answer 13

(0.7X40) /60 = 0.47m.s

Question 14

Foot Angle: define.

Answer 14

The angle between the line of progression and the direction of the foot during gait.

Question 15

Centre of pressure. What is it?

Answer 15

includes all vertical forces being applied by the body into the ground.

Question 16

Stages of Centre of pressure (CoP)

Answer 16

1. initial contact
2. CoP transitions from medial to midline during midstance
3. During terminal stance, CoP transfers medially of the foot mid-line
4. CoP flows through the big toe during pre-swing.

Question 17

Running gait is similar to walking but is characterised by what phase? What is different in the running gait than the walking gait?

Answer 17

Float or ariel phase.
This is where both feet are not in contact with the ground.
The running gait has two float phases
No double support phases
an over lap of swing phase.

Question 18

Running gaits increases what characteristics?

Answer 18

Increase step length
increased stride length
increased Cadence
Increased gait velocity.

Question 19

True or False. vertical ground reaction force is decreased during a running gait cycle?

Answer 19

False. Ground reaction force in increased during a running gait cycle.

Question 20

Compare and contrast a walking gait cycle and a running gait cycle.

Answer 20

Walking: Two double support phase and two single support phases.

Running: increased vertical ground reaction
Increase in gait velocity.
Forefoot or midfoot striking. meaning there may not be a loading or mid-stand phase
two float stages.
Reduction in base support.

Question 21

True or false. The running gait is associated with a reduction in the base of support. Explain your answer.

Answer 21

True.
Running reduces stability which will increase the risk of injury.