Movement disorders/gait Flashcards
What is a hypokinetic disorder?
A type of movement disorder characterised by a reduction in the amount or range of movement (eg: Parkinson’s disease)
Parkinson’s disease
Loss of pigmented dopamingeric neurones (dopamine used to smooth muscle control)
What are the 4 primary signs of Parkinson’s disease?
- Bradykinesia
- Rigidity
- Tremor
- Gait disturbances
What is a hyperkinetic disorder?
A type of movement disorder characterised by excessive movement or activity levels that are not appropriate for the child’s age and development (eg. tremors, dystonia, chorea, myoclonus, tic disorder)
Normal gait pattern
Stance Phase:
- Initial Contact
- Loading Response
- Midstance
- Terminal Stance
- Pre-Swing
Swing Phase
- Initial Swing
- Mid Swing
- Terminal Swing
Antalgic gait pattern
Characteristics: A limp in which the individual avoids putting weight on one leg due to pain
Cause: Pain in the hip, knee, ankle, or foot (e.g., from injury, arthritis, or fracture)
Ataxic gait pattern
Characteristics: Wide-based, unsteady walking with a lack of coordination. The person may appear to stagger or sway while walking, similar to being drunk
Cause: Cerebellar dysfunction (e.g., cerebellar ataxia, multiple sclerosis, or stroke)
Spastic gait pattern
Characteristics: Stiff, jerky movements, often with the legs extended and less flexion at the knee and hip. The person may have a toe-walking pattern
Cause: Upper motor neuron lesions (e.g., cerebral palsy, stroke, multiple sclerosis)
Trendelenburg gait pattern
Characteristics: The pelvis drops on the side opposite to the weak leg during the stance phase, resulting in a waddling or uneven walking pattern
Cause: Weakness of the hip abductor muscles (e.g., gluteus medius) typically due to hip arthritis, neurological conditions, or post-surgery.
Hemiplegic gait pattern
Characteristics: One leg is dragged or swung around in a circular motion due to paralysis or weakness on one side of the body
Cause: Stroke or other conditions that affect one side of the body
Waddling gait pattern
Characteristics: A duck-like, swaying movement where the pelvis shifts from side to side. The individual may walk with wide steps and a lack of balance
Cause: Weakness of the hip muscles, often associated with muscular dystrophy, hip disorders, or pelvic abnormalities
Steppage gait pattern
Characteristics: High-stepping gait where the individual lifts their leg higher than usual to clear the foot from the ground, often with foot drop (inability to lift the toes properly)
Cause: Neurological issues affecting the lower limb, particularly the common peroneal nerve or the muscles responsible for lifting the foot (e.g., foot drop from a stroke or neuropathy).
Shuffling gait pattern
Characteristics: Small, rapid steps with minimal lift of the feet. The person may drag their feet, leading to a “shuffling” pattern
Cause: Parkinson’s disease, aging, or other conditions affecting movement
Scissoring gait pattern
Characteristics: The legs cross over each other with each step, typically due to spasticity. The person may appear to be walking in a scissors-like motion
Cause: Spasticity, often related to cerebral palsy or neurological disorders
