COF Biomechanics & Gait Analysis 2

Question 1

During normal gait, which muscle group is primarily responsible for controlling the rate of foot lowering (foot slap prevention) immediately after heel strike?

Accepted Answer

Tibialis anterior

Answer

The tibialis anterior eccentrically contracts after heel strike to lower the foot to the ground in a controlled manner, preventing foot slap.

Question 2

What is the term for the excessive outward rotation of the foot during ambulation, often compensating for limited hip internal rotation?

Accepted Answer

Out-toeing

Answer

Out-toeing refers to external rotation of the foot during gait, commonly seen as a compensatory mechanism for reduced hip internal rotation range of motion.

Question 3

The 'double support phase' of normal gait refers to the period when:

Accepted Answer

Both feet are in contact with the ground simultaneously

Answer

Double support occurs twice per gait cycle when both feet are simultaneously in contact with the ground, comprising approximately 20% of the gait cycle at normal walking speeds.

Question 4

A patient with a spastic equinovarus foot in cerebral palsy would most likely exhibit which gait deviation during swing phase?

Accepted Answer

All of the above are common compensations

Answer

Spastic equinovarus causes foot clearance problems during swing, leading patients to compensate with steppage gait, vaulting on the stance limb, or circumduction of the affected limb.

Question 5

Which parameter of gait is most directly measured by counting the number of steps taken per unit of time?

Accepted Answer

Cadence

Answer

Cadence is defined as the number of steps taken per minute and is directly measured by counting steps over a given time interval.

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COF Biomechanics & Gait Analysis 2