Ankle Impairments Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary effect of weak dorsiflexors during the gait cycle?

No effect on gait

Altered stance phase (correct)

Increased speed

Increased swing duration

Spastic plantarflexors do not affect the stance phase of the gait cycle.

False

Name one compensatory mechanism associated with spastic plantarflexors.

Increased knee flexion.

Weak dorsiflexors primarily affect the __________ phase of walking.

stance Signup and view all the answers

Match the type of impairment with its corresponding effect on the gait cycle:

Weak dorsiflexors = Altered stance phase Spastic plantarflexors = Increased knee flexion Overall gait effects = Variable based on compensation Normal functioning = Smooth gait pattern Signup and view all the answers

Which phase is directly affected by spastic plantarflexors?

Stance Signup and view all the answers

Weak dorsiflexors lead to a smoother gait cycle.

False Signup and view all the answers

List two potential overall effects on gait due to impairments at the ankle.

Increased risk of falling and decreased speed. Signup and view all the answers

What effect does weak quadriceps have during the swing phase of the gait cycle?

Decreased knee flexion Signup and view all the answers

Short hip flexors have no effect on the stance phase of the gait cycle.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary effect of weak hamstrings during the stance phase of the gait cycle?

It leads to instability and potential knee buckling. Signup and view all the answers

Weak hip extensors primarily affect the __________ phase of the gait cycle.

swing Signup and view all the answers

Which impairment affects the knee during the stance phase with a likelihood of knee buckling?

Weak quadriceps Signup and view all the answers

Weak hamstrings have no effect on the swing phase of the gait cycle.

True Signup and view all the answers

What impact do short hip flexors have on gait?

They can lead to altered mechanics during the stance phase. Signup and view all the answers

Impairments at the knee can be caused by weak __________.

quadriceps Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence of weak hip extensors during the gait cycle?

Limited hip movement in swing Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Ankle Impairments

Weak Dorsiflexors:
- Initial Contact: Difficulty controlling ankle dorsiflexion eccentrically when the foot hits the ground; leads to slapping of the foot.
- Loading Response: Reduced shock absorption, instability, over-reliance on hip/knee extensors for forward momentum.
- Swing: Reduced forward propulsion, foot dragging, compensation through hip hiking and increased knee and hip flexion.
Spastic Plantarflexors:
- Initial Contact: Difficulty with initial contact, leading to a toe-first landing and poor shock absorption .
- Push-off: Insufficient push-off, likely due to stiffness in the plantar flexors.
- Swing: Toe dragging preventing effective foot lifting, compensation involving hip hiking, increased knee flexion, and circumduction.
- Associated Compensations: Knee hyperextension, excessive trunk lean (for stability), reduced step length, gait asymmetry, and slower walking speed
Weak Quadriceps:
- Initial Contact: Reduced knee stability, preventing proper eccentric control.

Knee Impairments

Weak Quadriceps:
- Initial Contact: Reduced knee stability, impeding eccentric control.

Hip Impairments

Short Hip Flexors:
- Stance: Reduced hip extension, compensation through excessive lumbar lordosis, and trunk leaning.
- Swing: Inefficient propulsion in the swing phase, compensations by excessive knee flexion and pelvic rotation.
- Early Heel Rise: Exaggerated anterior pelvic tilt and short step length
Weak Hip Extensors:
- Stance: Difficulty controlling trunk stability, resulting in backward trunk lean during initial contact and forward trunk lean during midstance.
- Poor Pelvic Stability: Leading to forward trunk lean.
Reduced Hip Extension:
- Swing: Delayed or ineffective transition into swing phase, increased hamstring usage for deceleration, and instability at initial contact

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Description

Explore common conditions affecting ankle function, such as weak dorsiflexors and spastic plantarflexors. This quiz details the impact on gait and compensatory mechanisms during different phases of walking. Test your knowledge on how these impairments influence mobility.