Walking and Gait Flashcards
What motions encompass the swing phase?
Leg lift
Leg swing
What muscles are involved in the heel strike?
Gluteus maximus - decelerates lower limb
Quadraceps femoris - leg extended at knee and hip
Anterior compartment of the leg - maintains dorsiflexion
Give the muscles involved in the support phase of walking
Quadriceps femoris - keeps leg extended
Foot inverter/everters - balance to stabalise
Gluteus medius/minimus and tensor fascia lata - keeps pelvis level and abducts lower limb
What muscles are involved in the toe off phase of walking?
Hamstring - extend the leg at the hip
Quadriceps - maintains extended knee
Posterior compartment - plantarflex ankle
What muscles are involved in the leg lift phase of walking?
Iliopsoas/rectus femoris - flex at hip, extend leg
Hamstring - flex at knee
Anterior compartment - dorsiflex ankle
What muscles allow the swing phase of walking?
Iliopsoas/rectus femoris - hip flexed, resists gravity
Quadriceps femoris - extends knee, foot ready for landing
Anterior compartment - maintains ankle dorsiflexion
Describe the Trendelenburg gait
Key abductor muscles stop the pelvis dropping. Caused by lesions of the superior gluteal nerve. Causes a lurching walk as the trunk overcompensates.
Describe the high steppage gait.
Foot drop caused by damage to the common or deep fibular nerve. Causes high stepping and may have an eversion flick.
Describe an antalgic gait.
May be caused by long standing joint problems. Shortened stance phase, swing phase enhanced on the affected side.
Describe an ataxic gait.
Difficulty maintaining balance, has an unstable trunk. Problem with the cerebellum.
Describe a Parkinsonian gait.
Shuffling. Hard to initiate movement and hard to turn.
What motions encompass the stance phase?
Heel strike
Support
Toe off
