CAC Gait Analysis and Locomotion Assessment 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In equine locomotion, what is the term for the brief period during the canter or gallop when no hooves are in contact with the ground?
- Diagonal phase
- Suspension phase (Correct answer)
- Lateral phase
- Transition phase
Correct answer: Suspension phase
The suspension phase (also called the aerial phase) is the period during canter or gallop when all four limbs are simultaneously off the ground.
Question 2: What does 'overtracking' refer to in equine gait evaluation?
- The hind hoof landing in front of the print left by the ipsilateral forehoof (Correct answer)
- Excessive lateral sway of the hindquarters during locomotion
- A shortened hindlimb stride with toe dragging
- Consistent interference between fore and hind hooves
Correct answer: The hind hoof landing in front of the print left by the ipsilateral forehoof
Overtracking occurs when the hind hoof lands cranial to the print made by the ipsilateral forehoof, indicating good hindquarter engagement and adequate range of motion.
Question 3: In force plate gait analysis, which parameter directly measures the maximum downward load a limb applies to the ground during stance?
- Braking impulse
- Peak vertical force (PVF) (Correct answer)
- Mediolateral force vector
- Propulsive impulse
Correct answer: Peak vertical force (PVF)
Peak vertical force (PVF) measures the maximum downward force a limb exerts on the ground during the stance phase and is the primary indicator of weight-bearing symmetry.
Question 4: Which hindlimb gait pattern in large-breed dogs is classically associated with bilateral hip dysplasia?
- Scissor gait with limb crossing
- Bunny-hopping or pelvic sway gait (Correct answer)
- High-stepping hypermetric hindlimb action
- Toe-dragging ataxic gait with proprioceptive deficits
Correct answer: Bunny-hopping or pelvic sway gait
Dogs with bilateral hip dysplasia often exhibit a bunny-hopping gait at the trot or canter, where both hindlimbs advance together, or a characteristic pelvic sway to reduce loading on painful hip joints.
Question 5: What is the significance of a reduced stance phase duration in one limb during kinematic gait analysis?
- It indicates hyperactivity of that limb's extensor muscles
- It suggests pain or instability causing the animal to minimize weight-bearing time on that limb (Correct answer)
- It represents a normal gait variant in senior animals
- It indicates increased proprioceptive drive to that limb
Correct answer: It suggests pain or instability causing the animal to minimize weight-bearing time on that limb
Reduced stance phase duration in one limb indicates the animal is minimizing time loading that limb, which is a compensatory response to pain or structural instability.
Question 6: Which spinal region dysfunction is most commonly associated with hindlimb propulsion deficits and a shortened caudal phase of the stride in horses?
- Cervical region (C1–C5)
- Mid-thoracic region (T6–T12)
- Cranial thoracic junction (T1–T5)
- Lumbosacral junction (L5–S1 or L6–S1) (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Lumbosacral junction (L5–S1 or L6–S1)
The lumbosacral junction is the primary fulcrum for hindlimb propulsion; dysfunction at this level directly impairs push-off mechanics, shortening the caudal phase of the hindlimb stride.
Question 7: Which assessment method uses high-speed cameras and reflective markers on bony landmarks to quantify three-dimensional joint angles during locomotion?
- Force plate analysis
- 3D kinematic motion capture (Correct answer)
- Inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensor system
- Thermographic gait evaluation
Correct answer: 3D kinematic motion capture
3D kinematic motion capture uses high-speed cameras tracking reflective markers on bony landmarks to calculate precise three-dimensional joint angles and segment kinematics throughout the gait cycle.
CAC Gait Analysis and Locomotion Assessment 2
In equine locomotion, what is the term for the brief period during the canter or gallop when no hooves are in contact with the ground?