Movement Analysis - Ascending Stairs

Question 1

What is included for General Observation for Ascending Stairs? (5)

Answer 1

1. Are they able to ascend/descend the stairs independantly?
2. How much effort is required?
3. What is the speed of movement?
4. How much reliance on UL?
5. Any signs of tremor? Ataxia?

Question 2

What are the 5 stages of Ascending Stairs?

Answer 2

1. Weight transfer to (R) LL
2. Leg Lift on (L)
3. (L) foot placement
4. Weight transfer to (L) LL
5. Extension phase on (L) LL to bring (R) LL to step

Question 3

What are the 2 movements during Stage 1: Weight Transfer to (R) LL & what muscles cause these movements?

Answer 3

1. Slight (R) Lateral flexion of trunk
2. Anterior rotation of the pelvis - Concentric TFL and gluteus medius

Question 4

What are the 3 movements during Stage 2: Leg Lift on (L) & what muscles cause these movements?

Answer 4

1. (L) hip flexion - Concentric ileopsoas and rectus femoris
2. (L) knee flexion - Concentric hamstrings
3. Ankle falls into PF – followed by DF to allow toe to clear step - Concentric tibialis anterior

Question 5

What are the 2 movements during Stage 3: (L) Foot placement & what muscles cause these movements?

Answer 5

1. Controlled deceleration of (L) LL as it approaches the step - Eccentric iliopsoas, rectus femoris and hamstrings
2. (L) ankle moves to plantagrade as it comes into contact with the step - Eccentric tibialis anterior

Question 6

What are the 3 movements during Stage 4: Weight transfer to (L) LL & what muscles cause these movements?

Answer 6

1. COG moved towards (L) side - (L) hip abductors – concentric gluteus medius and TFL (with ROI)
2. Anterior rotation of the pelvis on (L) side - (L) hip abductors – concentric gluteus medius and TFL (with ROI)
3. Heel off on (R) side - Concentric gastrocnemius and soleus

Question 7

What are the 2 movements during Stage 5: Extension phase on (L) LL to bring (R) LL to step & what muscles cause these movements?

Answer 7

1. Pelvis is stabilised - Isometric gluteus medius and TFL
2. (L) ankle is stabilised - Isometric tibialis anterior
3. (L) Coordinated hip and knee extension - Concentric gluteus maximus & Concentric quadriceps with ROI
4. (L) ankle moves into plantargrade - Eccentric tibialis anterior

Question 8

What movements are essential to be able to ascend stairs reciprocally?

Answer 8

Hip flexion - approx. 80 degrees

Knee flexion - to 100 degrees

Full DF