Kinematics (sagittal)

Question 1

Initial contact

Answer 1

Is the heel the first part of contact? (heel rocker)
Ankle - 90°
Knee - extention /slight flexion
Hip - Flexion (increases with step length)

Question 2

Loading response

Answer 2

Ankle - Plantarflexion (to lower the foot to the ground)
Knee - continues flexion
Hip - Remains in flexion

Question 3

Midstance

Answer 3

Ankle - Dorsiflexion ( as the tibia moves over the foot)
Knee - slight flexion if it is early and slight extension is it is late
Hip - Extension from what was a previously flexed position
(ideally the body should move infront of the foot before heel rise - if it doesnt it could mean ankle equinis or tight calf muscles)

Question 4

Terminal stance

Answer 4

Ankle - Dorsiflexed with the tibia over the foot
MTP’s /Hallux - Dorsiflexed (forefoot rocker), windlass mechanism, MTJ locking (Rearfoot stabilised by forefoot)
Knee - moves to full extension
Hip - Continues to extend

Question 5

Pre swing

Answer 5

Ankle - dorsiflexion is replaced by rapid plantarflexion to prepare for toe off
MTP /Hallux - Dorseflexion for toe off (toe rocker)
Knee - passive flexion
Hip - moves from an extended position to neutral

Question 6

Swing phase

Answer 6

Has the ground been cleared??
Ankle - Rapid dorsiflexion (Initial swing 90°, midswing 90°, slight dorsiflexion at terminal swing)
MTP /Halux - dorsiflexion may be present to help with ground clearence
Knee - continues flexion (initial swing), Begins extension (Midswing), Full extension (terminal swing)