Gait Analysis

Question 1

Requirements for ‘normal’ gait

Answer 1

1. Stability in stance
2. Clearance of foot during swing phase
3. Appropriate pre-positioning of foot during swing
4. Adequate step length
5. Energy conservation

Question 2

Stride vs step length

Answer 2

Stride length = distance between ipsilateral foot from start of one gait cycle to next (i.e. right step length + left step length)

Step length = distance between right and left foot during one ‘step’ (i.e. right does not always equal left)

Question 3

Initial Contact

Answer 3

Heel strike
Double leg support !!
Concentric = hamstrings + glutes
Eccentric = TA and quads

Question 4

Loading Response

Answer 4

Shock absorption
Single leg
First rocker period
Concentric = Hamstrings and glute max
Eccentric = TA and quads

Question 5

Mid-Stance

Answer 5

Energy conservation: GRF moves anterior to knee joint = stabilises knee = quads can switch off to conserve energy.

Single leg
Second rocker period
Eccentric = soleus !

Question 6

Terminal Stance

Answer 6

Propulsion
Third rocker period
Concentric = plantarflexors (stop tibia from moving any further forward)
Eccentric = hamstrings, quads and TA

Question 7

Pre-Swing
Initial Swing
Mid Swing

Answer 7

PRE-SWING:
- Double Support !
- Transfer body weight b/w limbs to prepare for swing
- Concentric = gastrocnemius for PF

INITIAL + MID SWING:
- Passive