CO Gait Analysis & Lower Extremity Biomechanics 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the approximate normal cadence for a healthy adult during comfortable walking?
- 50–70 steps/min
- 100–120 steps/min (Correct answer)
- 130–160 steps/min
- 160–200 steps/min
Correct answer: 100–120 steps/min
Normal adult cadence is approximately 100–120 steps per minute at a comfortable self-selected walking speed.
Question 2: Approximately what percentage of the gait cycle is occupied by the stance phase in normal walking?
- 40%
- 50%
- 60% (Correct answer)
- 75%
Correct answer: 60%
Stance phase comprises roughly 60% of the gait cycle, while swing phase accounts for the remaining 40%.
Question 3: During the loading response phase of gait, the ankle undergoes which primary motion to assist shock absorption?
- Controlled plantar flexion (Correct answer)
- Rapid dorsiflexion
- Subtalar inversion
- Toe extension
Correct answer: Controlled plantar flexion
At loading response, the ankle plantar flexes in a controlled manner (lowering the foot to the floor) to absorb impact forces.
Question 4: How is 'step length' defined in gait analysis?
- Distance from initial contact of one foot to the next initial contact of the same foot
- Distance from initial contact of one foot to initial contact of the opposite foot (Correct answer)
- The number of steps taken per minute
- The lateral distance between the two feet during walking
Correct answer: Distance from initial contact of one foot to initial contact of the opposite foot
Step length is measured from the initial contact of one foot to the initial contact of the contralateral foot, representing a single step.
Question 5: During which phase of the gait cycle does the body's center of mass reach its lowest vertical position?
- Mid-stance
- Terminal stance
- Double support (loading response) (Correct answer)
- Mid-swing
Correct answer: Double support (loading response)
The center of mass is at its lowest point during the double support phases when both feet are in contact with the ground.
Question 6: What is the approximate normal comfortable walking speed for a healthy adult?
- 0.3–0.6 m/s
- 1.0–1.5 m/s (Correct answer)
- 1.8–2.2 m/s
- 2.5–3.0 m/s
Correct answer: 1.0–1.5 m/s
Healthy adults typically walk at a self-selected speed of approximately 1.0–1.5 m/s (roughly 3–4 km/h).
Question 7: How is 'stride length' defined in gait analysis?
- Distance from initial contact of one foot to initial contact of the opposite foot
- Distance from initial contact of one foot to the next initial contact of the same foot (Correct answer)
- The total steps taken in one minute
- The perpendicular distance between parallel lines of foot progression
Correct answer: Distance from initial contact of one foot to the next initial contact of the same foot
Stride length is the distance from initial contact of one foot to the next initial contact of the same foot, encompassing one complete gait cycle.
CO Gait Analysis & Lower Extremity Biomechanics 1
What is the approximate normal cadence for a healthy adult during comfortable walking?