What is a normal gait pattern?

Asked by: Emily Ross

Normal gait is a series of rhythmical, alternating movements of the trunk and limbs which results in the forward progression of the center of gravity. It is generally established by 4-8 years of age.

What are the gait patterns?

There are eight basic pathological gaits that can be attributed to neurological conditions: hemiplegic, spastic diplegic, neuropathic, myopathic, Parkinsonian, choreiform, ataxic (cerebellar) and sensory.

What is abnormal gait pattern?

Abnormal gait or gait abnormality occurs when the body systems that control the way a person walks do not function in the usual way. This may happen due to any of the following reasons: illness. genetic factors. injury.

What does a normal walking gait look like?

Human walking starts in stance faces heel contacts the ground. And then follows up with swing phase as a foot swings.

What are the components of a normal gait pattern?

To reduce these extremes, normal gait involves three pelvic motions: lateral drop, transverse rotation, and anterior tilt. All three approximate 4 degrees and follow the swing limb. The stance limb contributes by two actions.

What is the most common gait abnormality?

Epidemiology and classification of gait disorders



Among the neurological causes, sensory ataxia (18 %) and parkinsonian (16 %) gait disorders were the most common, followed by frontal (8 %), cerebellar ataxic gait disorders, cautious gait and hypotonic paretic, spastic, vestibular and dyskinetic gait disorders.

What is poor gait?

An unsteady gait can increase your risk for falls and injury, so it’s important to seek medical help for more serious causes of this symptom. Doctors may also describe an unsteady gait as an ataxic gait. This means the person is walking in an abnormal, uncoordinated, or unsteady manner.

How do you describe patient gait?

Ask the patient to stand with eyes closed, and to turn 360 degrees. Walking: Observe how the patient begins to walk (i.e. hesitancy or multiple attempts), the step height for both feet, foot clearance (looking for foot drop), step symmetry between right and left sides, and the speed of the gait.

How would you describe gait in assessment?

The term “gait analysis” encompasses a broad spectrum of potential assessment strategies used to evaluate normal and abnormal gait, both walking and running. Such assessments range from simple observation to sophisticated computer analysis of biomechanics.

How would you describe gait in a physical exam?

The gait is defined as a series of rhythmical and alternating movements of the trunk and lower limbs that result in forward progression of the centre of gravity. During increasing walking speeds and running the swing phase increases and the stance phase decreases until the ratio of stance to swing phase reverses.