Gait

Normal Gait Gait similar from person to person – difference due to postural variations, weakness , structural abnormalities One gait cycle – heel of one foot touches the ground to the time it touches ground again Stance phase –foot in contact with floor and weight bearing Heel ( foot ) strike – first contact of the heel with floor Flat foot - - foot flat on floor Midstance – foot is directly under the body’s weight Heel off – weight transfer to front of foot Toe off – foot comes off the floor

Normal Gait Swing Phase – foot not in contact with floor and non weight bearing Acceleration phase – ( early swing) – momentum increases and thrust from toe off propels extremity forward Swing through ( mid swing) – continues swing through Deceleration phase - ( late swing) – slow forward progression make smooth contact with floor

Gait Analysis Walk with shoes Walk without shoes Patient in shorts , shirtless /sport bras ( if possible ) Evenness , rhythmical , foot sounds Gross movements – how is body carried , how does it move – smooth or halting – strides even , shoulder movement , arm swing , trunk , head position Then joint by joint assessment

Pathological gaits Trendelenburg – gluteus medius gait Quadriceps gait Glut medius too weak to maintain level pelvis Quadriceps gait Surgery or knee injury – quads weak Pt keeps knee extended at heel strike and through stance phase Ankle tightness Loss of dorisflexion – during midstance should go from PF to DF , person will lurch forward over foot – moving quickly to toe off Antalgic gait Person reduces time spent on injured leg – stride length altered and cadence asymmetrical