PAS PAS Gait Analysis & Foot Mechanics 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which phase of the gait cycle places the greatest demand on the plantar flexors for forward propulsion?
- Terminal stance / toe-off (Correct answer)
- Initial contact / heel strike
- Mid-swing
- Loading response
Correct answer: Terminal stance / toe-off
Terminal stance and toe-off require maximal plantar flexor activity to propel the body forward.
Question 2: Excessive pronation of the subtalar joint during gait most commonly contributes to which postural deviation?
- Medial tibial rotation and genu valgum (Correct answer)
- Lateral tibial rotation and genu varum
- Anterior pelvic tilt
- Thoracic kyphosis
Correct answer: Medial tibial rotation and genu valgum
Excessive subtalar pronation internally rotates the tibia, which transmits upward and contributes to medial knee collapse (genu valgum).
Question 3: A PAS specialist observes a client with a 'Trendelenburg gait.' Which muscle is the primary weakness responsible for this pattern?
- Gluteus medius (Correct answer)
- Gluteus maximus
- Tensor fasciae latae
- Iliopsoas
Correct answer: Gluteus medius
Weakness of the gluteus medius allows the contralateral pelvis to drop during single-leg stance, producing a Trendelenburg gait.
Question 4: Which foot type is most associated with a rigid, supinated arch and increased lateral forefoot loading during gait?
- Pes cavus (Correct answer)
- Pes planus
- Neutral foot
- Hallux valgus
Correct answer: Pes cavus
Pes cavus (high arch) is a rigid, supinated foot structure that concentrates pressure on the lateral forefoot and heel.
Question 5: During normal gait, what is the typical cadence range for a healthy adult?
- 100–120 steps per minute (Correct answer)
- 60–80 steps per minute
- 140–160 steps per minute
- 80–100 steps per minute
Correct answer: 100–120 steps per minute
Healthy adult cadence typically ranges from 100 to 120 steps per minute during comfortable self-selected walking.
Question 6: A client who walks with excessive anterior trunk lean during gait most likely has weakness in which muscle group?
- Hip extensors (Correct answer)
- Hip flexors
- Ankle plantar flexors
- Cervical extensors
Correct answer: Hip extensors
Weak hip extensors cause the trunk to lean anteriorly to shift the ground reaction force in front of the hip, compensating for insufficient extension torque.
PAS PAS Gait Analysis & Foot Mechanics 1
Which phase of the gait cycle places the greatest demand on the plantar flexors for forward propulsion?