2 phases of walking:
- Stance: use of extensor muscles (gluteus maximum –> quadriceps –> soleus and gastrocnemius
- Swing phase: flexor muscles (hip-iliopsoas, knee-hamstring, ankle-tibialis anterior)
Unilateral abnormalities of the gait: pain, immobile joints and muscle weakness
Symmetric abnormalities of the gait: CNS problem
Typical gait:
Example of the gait:
Coxalgic gait
Tredelenburg gait
Gluteus maximus gait
Weak quadriceps gait
Foot drop
Steppage gait
Circumduction gait
Scissor gait
Parkisonian gait
Sensory ataxic gait (positive Romberg test)
Cerebellar ataxic gait
Frontal ataxic gait
Difference between magnetic gait & Parkisonian gait:
- In Parkinsonian gait
– Hesitation to initiate steps
– Lack of arm swinging
– Retro or anteropulsion - In magnetic gait
– Small steps usually come to a stop (like feet attracted to magnetic under the floor)
– wide based gait
Reference: Evidence-based physical diagnosis, Steven McGee. – 2nd ed
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