CFO Biomechanics & Gait Analysis 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: During normal gait, the stance phase comprises approximately what percentage of the gait cycle?
- 40%
- 50%
- 60% (Correct answer)
- 70%
Correct answer: 60%
Stance phase normally accounts for approximately 60% of the gait cycle, while swing phase accounts for the remaining 40%.
Question 2: Which of the following best describes heel strike in normal gait?
- The foot contacts the ground flat
- The lateral heel contacts the ground first
- The posterior lateral heel contacts the ground first (Correct answer)
- The toes contact the ground first
Correct answer: The posterior lateral heel contacts the ground first
During normal heel strike, the posterior lateral aspect of the heel contacts the ground first, initiating the loading response.
Question 3: What is the normal range of subtalar joint motion required for efficient gait?
- 2–4 degrees
- 6–10 degrees (Correct answer)
- 12–16 degrees
- 20–25 degrees
Correct answer: 6–10 degrees
Approximately 6–10 degrees of subtalar joint motion (combined inversion and eversion) is required for efficient shock absorption and propulsion during gait.
Question 4: Which muscle is the primary decelerator of tibial advancement during the loading response of gait?
- Tibialis posterior
- Gastrocnemius
- Tibialis anterior (Correct answer)
- Peroneus longus
Correct answer: Tibialis anterior
The tibialis anterior eccentrically contracts during the loading response to control plantar flexion after heel strike, decelerating tibial advancement.
Question 5: The windlass mechanism during push-off primarily involves which structure?
- Achilles tendon
- Plantar fascia (Correct answer)
- Spring ligament
- Long plantar ligament
Correct answer: Plantar fascia
The windlass mechanism involves the plantar fascia tightening as the toes dorsiflex during push-off, raising the longitudinal arch and supinating the foot to create a rigid lever for propulsion.
Question 6: What is the Q-angle, and which finding raises concern in orthotic assessment?
- Angle of the calcaneus; values above 5° are abnormal
- Angle between the quadriceps force vector and the patellar tendon; values above 20° in females are abnormal (Correct answer)
- Angle of tibial torsion; values below 10° are abnormal
- Angle of subtalar inclination; values above 15° are abnormal
Correct answer: Angle between the quadriceps force vector and the patellar tendon; values above 20° in females are abnormal
The Q-angle is formed between the quadriceps pull line and the patellar tendon; values exceeding 20° in females (and 15° in males) indicate increased lateral patellar stress and potential biomechanical dysfunction.
Question 7: During midstance, what is the primary function of the tibialis posterior muscle?
- Dorsiflexing the ankle to allow smooth progression
- Everting the subtalar joint to absorb shock
- Inverting the subtalar joint and supporting the medial longitudinal arch (Correct answer)
- Plantar flexing the first ray to assist push-off
Correct answer: Inverting the subtalar joint and supporting the medial longitudinal arch
During midstance, the tibialis posterior eccentrically contracts to control pronation by inverting the subtalar joint and supporting the medial longitudinal arch.
CFO Biomechanics & Gait Analysis 1
During normal gait, the stance phase comprises approximately what percentage of the gait cycle?