3.0 Fundementals of Gait

Question 1

Why do we evaluate Gait?

Answer 1

Provides insight into preferred movement tendencies and advanced movement behavior

Question 2

What are the 5 clinical indications for Gait analysis?

Answer 2

1. Painful Gait
2. Unstable Gait
3. Instability to walk quickly
4. Inability to walk distances

Question 3

What are the 4 basic functions of the Locomotor unit during gait?

Answer 3

1. Shock Absorption
2. Stance Stability(Active/Passive)
3. Forward Progression
4. Energy Conservation

Question 4

This type of shock absorption deals with non-contractile structures.

Answer 4

Passive Shock Absorbers (Bone/Cartilage)

Question 5

This type of shock absorption utilizes eccentric muscle contractions.

Answer 5

Active Shock Absorbers

Question 6

Describe the spectrum of shock absorption.

Answer 6

• One end of the spectrum has active shock absorption, the other passive.
• People tend to fall in the middle of this scale, however, there is much variability between people.
• You cannot have one without the other, but individuals may bias towards one end more so than others.

Question 7

This is the stance that we are most stable in when standing.

Answer 7

Passive Stance Stability (Standing Straight)

Question 8

This is when one hits the ground with their calcaneus, which sets up a rocker effect

Answer 8

Heel rocker

Question 9

Heel rocker facilitates what?

Answer 9

Forward Progression

Question 10

This is a point where the tibia comes forward, and allows the Center of mass to move over the base of support.

Answer 10

Ankle Rocker: Facilitates forward progression.

Question 11

This rocker is where the metatarsal heads become the pivot point.

Answer 11

Forefoot/toe Rocker

Question 12

What is the name of the 3 rockers that facilitate forward progression?

Answer 12

Heel Rocker
Ankle Rocker
Forefoot/Toe Rocker

Question 13

This type of forward progression is due to momentum of a limb moving forward.

Answer 13

Swing limb momentum

Question 14

When one tries to minimize displacement of their center of mass and reduce muscle activation, this is known as…

Answer 14

Energy Conservation.

Question 15

For an average individual with normal gait patterns, their COM should translate about _____ amount med/lat and _____ Sup/Inf.

Answer 15

Med/Lat = 4cm

Sup/Inf = 2cm

Question 16

During the gait cycle, when is our COM at the highest point?

Answer 16

When the knee is fully extended

Mid-stance
Mid-swing

Question 17

For medial and lateral translation, out COM is at its worst during which phase of the gait cycle?

Answer 17

Swing phases

Question 18

This is coined as a portion of a given movement cycle?

Answer 18

Phase

Question 19

This is the basic requirement of a given phase

Answer 19

Objective

Question 20

This is the joint of segment motion(s) or positions that are required to accomplish an objective for a given phase

Answer 20

Critical Event

Question 21

What are the 2 main phases of a gait cycle?

Answer 21

Stance 60%

Swing 40%

Question 22

This is when the reference limb is in contact with the floor

Answer 22

Stance (60%)

Question 23

This phase is when the reference foot is not in contact with the floor.

Answer 23

Swing (40%)

Question 24

During this phase of stance (60%), there is Initial double limb support.

Answer 24

Loading Phase (10%)

Question 25

During this phase of the gait cycle, there is single limb support on the ground.

Answer 25

Single Limb Support (40%)

• Mid-Stance (20%)
• Terminal-Stance (20%)

Question 26

During this phase of the gait cycle, there is double terminal limb support on the ground.

Answer 26

Terminal Double Limb Support (10%)

-Pre-Swing (10%)

Question 27

Swing phase is when the reference foot is not in contact with the floor. What are the 3 phases and their % contributions?

Answer 27

1. Initial Swing (13.3%)
2. Mid-Swing (13.3%)
3. Terminal-Swing (13.3%)

Question 28

Abnormal Gait patterns can affect the lower extremity.

What are the 3 main affected structures?

Answer 28

1. Joint Stress(Bone/Cartilage)
2. Soft Tissue Strain (Ligaments/Tendons)
3. Muscle Overuse