PAS PAS Gait Analysis & Foot Mechanics 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which gait deviation is most commonly caused by ankle plantar flexor contracture?
- Equinus gait (toe-walking) (Correct answer)
- Steppage gait
- Scissor gait
- Antalgic gait
Correct answer: Equinus gait (toe-walking)
Plantar flexor contracture prevents full dorsiflexion, forcing the client to walk on the toes in an equinus pattern.
Question 2: The windlass mechanism of the foot is activated when which structure is dorsiflexed at the metatarsophalangeal joint?
- Great toe (hallux) (Correct answer)
- Fifth metatarsal
- Calcaneus
- Navicular
Correct answer: Great toe (hallux)
Dorsiflexion of the hallux tightens the plantar fascia via the windlass mechanism, raising the medial longitudinal arch and stiffening the foot for propulsion.
Question 3: A PAS client presents with bilateral flat feet and reports knee pain. Which orthotic feature is MOST appropriate to address medial arch collapse?
- Medial arch support / rearfoot posting (Correct answer)
- Metatarsal pad
- Heel cup only
- Lateral wedge
Correct answer: Medial arch support / rearfoot posting
Medial arch support and rearfoot posting control excessive subtalar pronation, reducing the associated medial tibial rotation that contributes to knee pain.
Question 4: Step width during gait is primarily controlled by which muscles to prevent lateral balance loss?
- Hip abductors (Correct answer)
- Hip adductors
- Ankle invertors
- Lumbar extensors
Correct answer: Hip abductors
The hip abductors regulate lateral displacement during single-leg stance, controlling step width and preventing contralateral pelvic drop.
Question 5: During a gait assessment, a PAS specialist notes the client's foot contacts the ground with the entire sole simultaneously. This pattern is called:
- Foot slap / flat-foot contact (Correct answer)
- Heel-to-toe progression
- Forefoot strike
- Steppage pattern
Correct answer: Foot slap / flat-foot contact
Simultaneous full-sole contact (foot slap or flat-foot strike) often indicates dorsiflexor weakness or a compensation for poor heel rocker function.
Question 6: Which component of gait analysis measures the time each foot spends in contact with the ground as a percentage of the gait cycle?
- Stance time percentage (Correct answer)
- Swing time percentage
- Double support time
- Stride length
Correct answer: Stance time percentage
Stance time percentage quantifies the proportion of the gait cycle spent in ground contact, normally about 60% for each limb at comfortable walking speeds.
PAS PAS Gait Analysis & Foot Mechanics 2
Which gait deviation is most commonly caused by ankle plantar flexor contracture?