Gait Analysis and Priorities

Questions and Answers

What is the definition of stride length in one gait cycle?

Distance from heel strike of one foot to heel strike of the same foot

What is the normal cadence of walking?

107 steps/min

What is the definition of step length in one gait cycle?

Distance from heel strike of one foot to heel strike of the other foot

What is the normal step or stride length?

75 cm Signup and view all the answers

What is the range of hip flexion required for normal gait?

0-30 Signup and view all the answers

Which phase is absent in running?

Double support phase Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of gait analysis?

To analyze the rhythmical and alternating movements of the trunk and limbs Signup and view all the answers

What is the first priority of normal gait?

Stability of the weight bearing foot throughout the stance period Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of the gait cycle is the swing phase?

40% of cycle Signup and view all the answers

What is one factor that can affect gait?

Body type Signup and view all the answers

What happens during heel strike?

Foot: Supinated at subtalar Signup and view all the answers

What happens during the loading response phase?

Limb reacts to absorbing the impact of the body weight Signup and view all the answers

Where is double limb support seen?

During the last 10% of the stance phase Signup and view all the answers

How is the swing phase divided?

Into three phases: early, mid, and terminal Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Gait Analysis Definition

Gait analysis is a series of rhythmical and alternating movements of the trunk and limbs that result in forward progression of the Center of Gravity (COG) and the body.

Priorities of Normal Gait

Stability of the weight-bearing foot throughout the stance period.
Clearance of the non-weight-bearing foot during the swing period.
Appropriate pre-positioning of the foot for the next gait cycle.
Adequate step length.
Energy conservation.

Elements of Gait Analysis

Limb position.
Range of Motion (ROM).
Speed of Motion.
Force Production.
Timing of each event in the gait cycle.

Phases of Gait Cycle

Stance Phase (~60% of cycle).
Swing Phase (~40% of cycle).

Factors Affecting Gait

Muscle strength.
Body type.
Gender.
Joint ROM.
Incline of surface.
Surface type.
Footwear.

Stance Phase

Occurs when the foot is in contact with the floor and the extremity is bearing partial or total body weight.
Double limb support is seen during the last 10% of the stance phase.

Heel Strike

Foot: Supinated at subtalar.
Ankle: Dorsiflexed.
Knee: Flexed.
Hip: Flexed.

Loading Response

Limb reacts to absorbing the impact of body weight by initiating flattening of the foot.
Talocrural joint: Plantarflexion.
Subtalar joint: Pronation.
Calcaneal eversion.
Tibial internal rotation.
Tibialis post: Eccentric contraction (decreases rate of deceleration of pronation).
Tibialis ant: Eccentric contraction (decreases rate of plantarflexion).
Hip maintains flexed position.

Swing Phase

Divided into three phases: Early/Initial Phase, Mid Phase, and Late/Terminal Phase.

Gait Parameters

Stride Length: Distance from heel strike of one foot to heel strike of the same foot in one gait cycle.
Step Length: Distance from heel strike of one foot to heel strike of the other foot in one gait cycle.
Stride Width: Distance between the midline of one foot at mid-stance and the midline of the other foot at mid-stance.

Normal Gait Values

Cadence: ~107 steps/min.
Step or Stride Length: 75 cm.
Speed of Walking: 90-120 steps/minute.
ROM Requirements:
- Hip Flex: 0-30.
- Hip Ext: 0-10.
- Knee Flex: 0-60.
- Knee Ext: 0.
- Ankle DF: 0-10.
- Ankle PF: 0-20.