Gait Analysis and Locomotion Flashcards

During a trot, which limb pairs move together as diagonal pairs?

Answer: Right front and left hind

The trot is a two-beat diagonal gait where the right front and left hind move together, and the left front and right hind move together.

What is the term for the brief period during locomotion when all four limbs are off the ground simultaneously?

Answer: Suspension phase

The suspension phase occurs during high-speed gaits like the gallop when all four limbs are momentarily airborne.

A dog with hip dysplasia most commonly exhibits which compensatory gait change during walking?

Answer: Bunny-hopping with simultaneous hind limb advancement

Dogs with hip dysplasia often bunny-hop, using both hind limbs simultaneously to reduce individual hip joint loading.

Which kinematic variable describes the angle formed at a joint through its range of motion during gait?

Answer: Joint excursion

Joint excursion refers to the total angular displacement of a joint from maximum flexion to maximum extension during the gait cycle.

In cats, which gait is most commonly used at moderate speeds?

Answer: Pace

Cats naturally use the pace (lateral gait) at moderate speeds, which is unusual compared to most quadrupeds that trot.

What does a reduced peak vertical force in a force plate analysis indicate about a limb?

Answer: The limb is being offloaded, suggesting pain or dysfunction

Reduced peak vertical force indicates weight-shifting away from that limb, which is a hallmark sign of pain, weakness, or structural dysfunction.

Which gait pattern is characterized by footfall sequence: left hind, left front, right hind, right front?

Answer: Lateral walk (pace walk)

A lateral walk features ipsilateral (same-side) limb pairs moving close together, creating the left hind–left front–right hind–right front sequence.