Gait Analysis and Abnormalities

These flashcards cover key concepts related to gait analysis, including definitions of phases, common abnormalities, and related muscle functions.

What are the components of the gait cycle?

The gait cycle consists of stance phase, swing phase, and includes initial contact, loading response, mid-stance, terminal stance, and pre-swing.

What is stride length?

Stride length is the distance from the heel strike of one foot to the heel strike of the same foot.

What is cadence?

Cadence is the number of steps taken per minute.

What characterizes the swing phase of gait?

The swing phase is the time when the limb is off the ground, transitioning from toe-off to heel strike.

What is the significance of hip abductor strength during gait?

Hip abductor strength is important for maintaining pelvic stability and proper weight acceptance during gait.

What defines an antalgic gait?

An antalgic gait is characterized by a limp adopted to avoid pain, resulting in a shorter stance phase on the affected limb.

What common cause leads to a foot drop during gait?

Foot drop often results from weak dorsiflexors, leading to inability to lift the foot during the swing phase.

What does a Trendelenburg gait indicate?

A Trendelenburg gait indicates weakness of the hip abductors, causing the pelvis to drop on the side opposite the weak muscle.

What is the role of the quadriceps during gait?

The quadriceps are primarily responsible for knee extension during the stance phase.

What abnormality is characterized by inadequate dorsi-flexion during gait?

Pes equinus is characterized by inadequate dorsiflexion, often resulting in a toe-walking gait.

What does increased pelvic tilt during gait suggest?

Increased pelvic tilt may suggest compensatory mechanisms for maintaining balance or forward propulsion.

What are the components of the gait cycle?

The gait cycle consists of stance phase, swing phase, and includes initial contact, loading response, mid-stance, terminal stance, and pre-swing.

What is stride length?

Stride length is the distance from the heel strike of one foot to the heel strike of the same foot.

What is cadence?

Cadence is the number of steps taken per minute.

What characterizes the swing phase of gait?

The swing phase is the time when the limb is off the ground, transitioning from toe-off to heel strike.

What is the significance of hip abductor strength during gait?

Hip abductor strength is important for maintaining pelvic stability and proper weight acceptance during gait.

What defines an antalgic gait?

An antalgic gait is characterized by a limp adopted to avoid pain, resulting in a shorter stance phase on the affected limb.

What common cause leads to a foot drop during gait?

Foot drop often results from weak dorsiflexors, leading to inability to lift the foot during the swing phase.

What does a Trendelenburg gait indicate?

A Trendelenburg gait indicates weakness of the hip abductors, causing the pelvis to drop on the side opposite the weak muscle.

What is the role of the quadriceps during gait?

The quadriceps are primarily responsible for knee extension during the stance phase.

What abnormality is characterized by inadequate dorsi-flexion during gait?

Pes equinus is characterized by inadequate dorsiflexion, often resulting in a toe-walking gait.

What does increased pelvic tilt during gait suggest?

Increased pelvic tilt may suggest compensatory mechanisms for maintaining balance or forward propulsion.

What is step length?

Step length is the distance from the heel strike of one foot to the heel strike of the opposite foot.

What is the width of base of support during gait?

The width of base of support is the medio-lateral distance between the midpoints of the heel strikes of the two feet.

What defines a steppage gait?

A steppage gait is characterized by exaggerated hip and knee flexion during the swing phase to clear a foot drop.

What is the primary role of the hamstrings during gait?

The hamstrings are important for knee flexion during the initial swing phase and hip extension in late stance.

What is the role of the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles during gait?

The gastrocnemius and soleus muscles are critical for ankle plantarflexion, especially during the push-off phase (terminal stance/pre-swing).

What is the double support phase in gait?

The double support phase is the period when both feet are in contact with the ground, occurring twice per gait cycle (after initial contact and before pre-swing of the opposite limb).

What are the components of the gait cycle?

The gait cycle consists of stance phase, swing phase, and includes initial contact, loading response, mid-stance, terminal stance, and pre-swing.

What is stride length?

Stride length is the distance from the heel strike of one foot to the heel strike of the same foot.

What is cadence?

Cadence is the number of steps taken per minute.

What characterizes the swing phase of gait?

The swing phase is the time when the limb is off the ground, transitioning from toe-off to heel strike.

What is the significance of hip abductor strength during gait?

Hip abductor strength is important for maintaining pelvic stability and proper weight acceptance during gait.

What defines an antalgic gait?

An antalgic gait is characterized by a limp adopted to avoid pain, resulting in a shorter stance phase on the affected limb.

What common cause leads to a foot drop during gait?

Foot drop often results from weak dorsiflexors, leading to inability to lift the foot during the swing phase.

What does a Trendelenburg gait indicate?

A Trendelenburg gait indicates weakness of the hip abductors, causing the pelvis to drop on the side opposite the weak muscle.

What is the role of the quadriceps during gait?

The quadriceps are primarily responsible for knee extension during the stance phase.

What abnormality is characterized by inadequate dorsi-flexion during gait?

Pes equinus is characterized by inadequate dorsiflexion, often resulting in a toe-walking gait.

What does increased pelvic tilt during gait suggest?

Increased pelvic tilt may suggest compensatory mechanisms for maintaining balance or forward propulsion.

What is step length?

Step length is the distance from the heel strike of one foot to the heel strike of the opposite foot.

What is the width of base of support during gait?

The width of base of support is the medio-lateral distance between the midpoints of the heel strikes of the two feet.

What defines a steppage gait?

A steppage gait is characterized by exaggerated hip and knee flexion during the swing phase to clear a foot drop.

What is the primary role of the hamstrings during gait?

The hamstrings are important for knee flexion during the initial swing phase and hip extension in late stance.

What is the role of the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles during gait?

The gastrocnemius and soleus muscles are critical for ankle plantarflexion, especially during the push-off phase (terminal stance/pre-swing).

What is the double support phase in gait?

The double support phase is the period when both feet are in contact with the ground, occurring twice per gait cycle (after initial contact and before pre-swing of the opposite limb).

What characterizes the stance phase of gait?

The stance phase is the time when the limb is on the ground, supporting body weight, and accounts for approximately 60\% of the gait cycle.

What is gait velocity?

Gait velocity (or speed) is a measure of the distance covered per unit of time, often expressed in meters per second (m/s).

What is the 'Heel Rocker' mechanism during gait?

The Heel Rocker refers to the controlled plantarflexion of the ankle after initial contact, allowing the foot to smoothly lower to the ground and absorb impact.

What is the 'Ankle Rocker' mechanism during gait?

The Ankle Rocker (or midfoot rocker) describes the forward rotation of the tibia over the stable foot during mid-stance, driven by controlled dorsiflexion.

What is the 'Toe Rocker' mechanism during gait?

The Toe Rocker is the final phase of the stance rockers, involving plantarflexion at the metatarsophalangeal joints to provide propulsion for push-off.