Gate analysis Flashcards
What is the manner or style of walking?
Gait
When does the examination of gait begin?
Examination of gait begins as soon as the patient enters the room. Pay attention to any obvious limp or deformity of the extremity that may be affecting a normal gait.
What are the 2 phases to the normal walking cycle?
1) Stance Phase - When the foot is on the ground (60% of gait cycle)
2) Swing Phase - When the foot is moving forward (40% of gait cycle.
**One gait cycle is from heel strike of one limb to the next heel strike of that same limb
Stance phase diagram Part 1
INITIAL CONTACT - HEEL STRIKE
LOAD RESPONSE - FOOT FLAT
MID-STANCE - SINGLE LEG STANCE
TERMINAL STANCE - HEEL OFF
PRE-SWING TOE OFF
Stance phase diagram Part 2
TOE OFF - MID-SWING
- acceleration phase of swing
MID-SWING TO HEEL STRIKE
- deceleration phase of swing
Abnormal Gait Patterns Identification and Causes
1: Due to a pathology or injury in a specific joint
2: Compensation for an injury or a pathology in other joints on the ipsilateral side
3: Compensation for an injury of a pathology on the contralateral limb
Abnormal gait patterns
Arthrogenic Gait
Ataxic Gait
Gluteus Maximus Gait
Trendelenburg’s Gait
Hemiplegic Gait
Parkinsonian Gait
Scissors Gait
Drop Foot Gait
What is arthrogenic gait? What causes it?
Stiff hip or Knee
Results from stiffness, laxity, or deformity, and it may be painful or painless
What is ataxic gait? What causes it?
Stagger Gait with Exaggerated Movements
Patient presents with poor sensation or lacks muscle coordination, poor balance and a wide broad base stance
Results usually from damage to the cerebellum.
What is gluteus maximus gait?
- The Backward Lurch of the Trunk
Results from a weak gluteus Maximus.
Patient thrusts the thorax posteriorly at heel strike to maintain hip extension of the stance leg
What is trendelenburg’s gait (gluteus medius gait)?
Results from weak gluteus med/minimus
During the stance phase, patient exhibits an excessive lateral list where the thorax moves to keep centre of gravity over the stance leg
Also, the Trendelenburg test will also be positive
What is hemiplegic gait?
Presents as a swinging of the paraplegic leg outward and ahead in a circle or pushes it ahead. Also, the affected upper limb is carried across the trunk for balance
What is Parkinsonian Gait - FESTINATED GAIT?
The neck, trunk, and knees of a patient are flexed. There is also a SHUFFLING or rapid short steps. Arms are held stiffly and the patient may lean forward and walk progressively faster as though unable to stop (Festinating)
What is scissors gait?
A result of spastic paralysis of the hip adductor muscles. This causes the knees to be drawn together so that the legs can be swung forward only with great effort.
What is Steppage or Drop Foot Gait?
Results from weak or paralyzed dorsiflexor muscles. To avoid dragging the toes against the ground, the patient lifts the knee higher than normal. Initial contact, the foot SLAPS on the ground.
