Normal Gait

Question 1

ROM at hip needed for normal gait

Answer 1

Stance: 0-30 hip flexion, 0-10-20 hyperextension

Swing: 20-30 hip flexion

Question 2

ROM at knee needed for normal gait

Answer 2

Stance: 0-40 knee flexion

Swing: 0-60 knee flexion

Question 3

ROM at ankle needed for normal gait

Answer 3

Stance: 0-10 DF, 0-20 PF

Swing: 0-20 DF

Question 4

Pretibial muscle activity in gait

Answer 4

Pretibial Muscles
Anterior tibialis, extensor digitorum longus, extensor hallucis longus

Prior to and during heel strike: eccentric contraction – Lowers foot to the ground

Prior to and during swing:
Concentric contraction – Dorsiflexion, clear toes off ground

Question 5

Calf muscle activity in gait

Answer 5

Calf Muscles
Gastrocnemius, Soleus (Flexor digitorum longus, flexor hallucis longus, posterior tibialis)

Mid stance:
Eccentric contraction – Control of tibia over the foot

Heel off:
Concentric contraction – Ankle plantarflexion

Question 6

Quadriceps muscle activity in gait

Answer 6

Quadriceps
Vastus medialis/lateralis/intermedius, rectus femoris

Heel Strike
Quadriceps femoris contracts eccentrically – Control rapid knee flexion and to prevent buckling

Pre Swing phase
Eccentric contraction – Slow down leg (tibia)

Question 7

Hamstrings muscle activity in gait

Answer 7

Hamstrings
Biceps, Semitendinosus, Semimembranosus

Before Heel strike
Eccentric contraction – Protects knee from hyperextension

Swing phase
Concentric contraction – Knee flexion

Question 8

Hip abductors muscle activity in gait

Answer 8

Hip Abductors
Gluteus medius, Gluteus minimus, Tensor fascia lata

Stance phase
Eccentric contraction – Stabilize pelvis

Question 9

Hip adductors muscle activity in gait

Answer 9

Hip Adductors
Adductor longus/brevis, Gracilis, Adductor magnus (horizontal and
vertical heads)

Early and late stance
Concentric contraction – Stabilize pelvis

Question 10

Gait question tip

Answer 10

In STANCE only:
WEAK muscles act like MAGNETS and the trunk leans towards the weak muscles