Gait

Question 1

how to assess gait

Answer 1

1. ask patient to walk to the end of the room and back
2. tandem (heel to toe) gait - ask to walk in a straight line heel to toe
3. heel walking

Question 2

what are some common types of gait abnormality to observe for

Answer 2

ataxic, parkinsonian, high stepping, waddling gait, hemiparetic, spastic paraparesis

Question 3

what is an ataxic gait

Answer 3

broad based and unsteady (like a drunk person)

Question 4

what is a parkinsonian gait

Answer 4

small, shuffling steps, stooped posture and reduced arm swing

Question 5

what is a high stepping gait

Answer 5

unilateral or bilateral caused by foot drop. cant walk on heels too

Question 6

what is a waddling gait

Answer 6

shoulders sway from side to side, legs lifted off ground with the aid of tilting the trunk

Question 7

what is a hemiparetic gait

Answer 7

one leg held stiffly and swigns round in an arc with each stride (circumduction)

Question 8

what is a spastic paraparesis

Answer 8

bilateral - both legs are stiff and circumducting

Question 9

what is rombergs test

Answer 9

1. ask patient to stand w feet together n eyes closed
2. observe them for 1 minute
   positive test - loss of balance
   stand close to patient to stop them from falling over