Gait Analysis and Locomotion Flashcards
7 cards from real CCAT practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Gait Analysis and Locomotion flashcards as text
In a normal walking dog, approximately what proportion of the gait cycle does each limb spend in the stance phase?
Answer: 60% stance, 40% swing
In a normal walking dog, each limb spends approximately 60% of the gait cycle in stance phase and 40% in swing phase.
What is the 'float phase' (suspension phase) in a trotting dog's gait cycle?
Answer: The brief moment when all four limbs are off the ground between diagonal pairs
The float or suspension phase in a trot is the brief interval between diagonal pair contacts when no limbs touch the ground.
In dogs with hip dysplasia, which compensatory gait change is most commonly observed on force plate analysis?
Answer: Increased weight transfer to the forelimbs
Dogs with hip dysplasia often shift their center of mass cranially, increasing forelimb peak vertical force to compensate for painful or weak hindlimbs.
Which kinematic variable best quantifies the arc of individual joint movement during the swing phase of gait?
Answer: Joint angle excursion (range of motion)
Joint angle excursion describes the total range of motion at each joint through the gait cycle, quantifying the arc of movement during limb advancement.
What is the primary purpose of performing standardized gait analysis both before and after a rehabilitation intervention?
Answer: To objectively quantify treatment outcomes
Pre- and post-intervention gait analysis provides objective, quantifiable data to assess treatment efficacy and document functional improvement over time.
Which of the following would best indicate improvement in gait symmetry following rehabilitation for a hindlimb lameness?
Answer: Increased stance duration on the previously affected limb
Increased stance duration and peak vertical force on the previously affected limb indicates more normalized weight bearing and improved symmetry.
What does the 'duty factor' represent in canine gait analysis?
Answer: The proportion of the stride cycle that a limb spends in stance phase
Duty factor is the proportion (percentage) of the total stride duration that a limb spends in the stance phase, and it decreases as locomotion speed increases.