CTO Biomechanics & Gait Analysis Flashcards

What does the term 'base of support' refer to in gait analysis?

Answer: The mediolateral distance between the feet during walking

Base of support refers to the mediolateral distance between the feet, and a wider base indicates balance or stability concerns.

Which gait deviation is characterized by excessive hip and knee flexion to clear a foot that cannot dorsiflex?

Answer: Steppage gait

Steppage gait involves exaggerated hip and knee flexion during swing to compensate for foot drop due to weak or absent dorsiflexion.

In gait analysis, what is a 'stride'?

Answer: The complete cycle from one heel strike to the next heel strike of the same foot

A stride is one complete gait cycle measured from initial contact of one foot to the next initial contact of the same foot.

What ground reaction force direction must pass anterior to the knee joint to produce a knee extension moment?

Answer: Anterior

When the ground reaction force vector passes anterior to the knee joint center, it creates an external knee extension moment.

Which orthotic design feature is most effective at controlling subtalar joint pronation?

Answer: Medial wedging and a deep heel cup

Medial wedging combined with a deep heel cup effectively controls subtalar joint pronation by supporting the medial arch and cupping the calcaneus.

What is the functional significance of the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint during terminal stance?

Answer: It acts as the forefoot rocker allowing forward progression of the tibia

During terminal stance, MTP joint extension facilitates the forefoot rocker, allowing the tibia to advance over the foot and propelling the body forward.