Gate

Question 1

What is the definition of a gait cycle?

Answer 1

One gait cycle begins when a reference limb contacts the ground and ends when the same limb again contacts the ground.

Question 2

What are the two major phases of the gait cycle?

Answer 2

• Stance Phase
• Swing Phase

Question 3

What is the period of double limb support at the beginning of the gait cycle called?

Answer 3

Weight Acceptance

Question 4

What is the term for the period when only the reference limb is on the ground?

Answer 4

Single Limb Support

Question 5

What is the final subdivision of the gait cycle where the reference limb advances?

Answer 5

Limb Advancement

Question 6

What are the four periods of the Stance Phase?

Answer 6

• Loading response
• Midstance
• Terminal stance
• Preswing

Question 7

What are the three portions of the Swing Phase?

Answer 7

• Initial swing
• Midswing
• Terminal swing

Question 8

What is the primary function of the hip flexors during gait?

Answer 8

Advance the limb forward during swing and lift the lower extremity for toe clearance.

Question 9

What role do the gluteus maximus and hamstrings play during the gait cycle?

Answer 9

• Eccentrically slow down hip flexion at the end of swing
• Extend the hip at heel strike

Question 10

What is the function of the hip abductors during gait?

Answer 10

Stabilize the frontal plane motion of the pelvis on a fixed femoral head.

Question 11

Fill in the blank: Hip adductors are active at heel strike and just after _______.

Answer 11

toe off

Question 12

What do the knee flexors (hamstrings) do at the termination of swing?

Answer 12

Contract eccentrically to slow the rate of knee extension.

Question 13

What is the role of the quadriceps at the beginning of the gait cycle?

Answer 13

Control the small amount of knee flexion and prevent buckling.

Question 14

What is the action of the ankle dorsiflexors at heel contact?

Answer 14

Contract eccentrically to control plantarflexion.

Question 15

What gait deviation occurs when ankle dorsiflexors are weak or paralyzed?

Answer 15

Drop foot

Question 16

What is a ‘steppage’ gait pattern?

Answer 16

Increased knee flexion compensating for inability of the ankle to dorsiflex.

Question 17

What is the role of the ankle plantarflexors during stance?

Answer 17

Control the forward movement of the tibia over the foot.

Question 18

What occurs at heel off during the gait cycle?

Answer 18

Ankle plantarflexors have a burst of activity and then rapidly cease contracting.

Question 19

What assists the gastrocnemius and soleus during their actions in gait?

Answer 19

Other ankle plantarflexors