Cuccurullo Flashcards
(816 cards)
Gait cycle
Single sequence of functions of one limb
One gait cycle = 1 stride
1 stride = 2 steps
Stride
Linear distance between successive points of contact of same foot (heel strike to heel strike of same foot)
Step
Linear distance between successive contact points of opposite feet (heel strike of one foot to heel strike of other foot)
Normal step length
15-20 inches (~40 cm)
Gait cycle phases
Stance phase & swing phase
Gait cycle at normal walking speed
60% stance
40% swing
Walking faster decreases the time spent in stance phase (increasing time in swing phase)
Double limb support
Occurs at beginning & end of stance phase
20% of normal gait cycle (vs 80% of single limb support)
When is a person considered to be running?
When there is no longer a double support period
Cadence
Number of steps per unit time
Center of Gravity (CoG)
5-cm anterior to the S2 vertebra
CoG is displaced 5-cm (<2 inches) horizontally & 5-cm vertically during an average step
Stance Phase sub-divisions
I Like My Tea Pre-sweetened:
I: Initial contact
L: Loading response (body has lowest CoG during this)
M: Mid-stance (time period from lift of the contralateral extremity from the ground to the point where ankles of both extremities are aligned in frontal (or coronal plane) (body has the highest CoG during this)
T: Terminal stance
P: time period from initial contact of contralateral extremity to just prior to lift of the ipsilateral extremity from the ground (unloading weight)
Base of support
Space outlined by the feet & any assistive device in contact with the ground
Falling is avoided if the CoG remains positioned over the base of support
Normal base of support (distance between heels): 6-10 cm
Swing Phase
In My Teapot:
I: Initial swing (lift of the extremity from the ground to position of maximum knee flexion)
M: Midswing (knee flexion to vertical tibia position)
T: terminal Swing (vertical tibia position to just prior to initial contact)
Determinants of gait
- Pelvic rotation: rotates anteriorly on swinging leg side, lengthening limb as it prepares to accept weight
- Pelvic tilt: pelvis on side of swinging leg lowered 4-5 degrees, which lowers CoG at mid-stance
- Knee flexion in stance: early knee flexion at foot strike (15 degrees). Bending of the knee reduces the vertical elevation of the body at mid-stance. This lowers the CoG (by minimizing its vertical displacement), decreasing energy expenditure. Also tends to absorb shock of impact at heel strike by lengthening contraction of quadriceps
- Foot mechanisms (ankle flexion/extension): at heel strike, ankle PF smoothens the curve of the falling pelvis. A/w controlled PF during the first part of the stance. 3 pivot points (rockers) at the heel, ankle, & forefoot help to functionally lengthen the stance limb at initial contact & pre-swing, & shorten the limb at mid-stance
- Knee mechanisms: after mid-stance, the knee extends as the ankle PF & the foot supinates to restore the length to the length & diminish the fall of the pelvis at the opposite heel strike
- Lateral displacement of the pelvis: displacement toward the stance limb
1-5 reduce displacement on the vertical plane. 6 reduces displacement on the horizontal plane
Why does foot slap occur at initial contact?
Moderately weak dorsiflexors (grade 3/5)
Why does genu recurvatum occur from initial contact through mid-stance??
- Weak, short, or spastic quadriceps
- Compensated hamstring weakness
- Achilles tendon contracture
- PF spasticity
Why does excessive foot supination occur from initial contact through mid-stance?
- Compensated forefoot valgus deformity
- Pes cavus
- Short limb
Why does excessive trunk extension occur from initial contact through mid-stance?
- Weak hip extensor or flexor
- Hip pain
- Decreased knee ROM
Why does excessive trunk flexion occur from initial contact through mid-stance?
- Weak glut max & quadriceps
- Hip flexion contracture
Why does excessive knee flexion occur from initial contact through pre-swing?
- Hamstring contracture
- Increased ankle DF
- Weak PF
- Long limb
- Hip flexion contracture
Why does excessive medial femur rotation occur from initial contact through pre-swing?
- Tight medial hamstrings
- Anteverted femoral shaft
- Weakness of opposite muscle group
Why does excessive lateral femur rotation occur from initial contact through pre-swing?
- Tight lateral hamstrings
- Retroverted femoral shaft
- Weakness of opposite muscle group
Why does wide base of support occur from initial contact through pre-swing?
- Hip abductor muscle contracture
- Instability
- Genu valgum
- Leg length discrepancy
Why does narrow base of support occur from initial contact through pre-swing?
- Hip adductor muscle contracture
- Genu varum