Deck 7: Examination of Gait

Question 1

Which of the following gait deviations is the MOST common compensation for weak dorsiflexors?

A)Circumduction of the hip during swing
B)Decreased knee flexion during stance
C)Increased plantarflexion during swing
D)Hip hiking on the contralateral limb

Answer 1

A

Question 2

What are the MOST likely causes for a decreased heel strike or initial contact on the involved extremity with no limping?

A)Plantarflexion spasticity
B)Plantarflexion weakness
C)Plantarflexion contracture
D)Dorsiflexion contracture

Answer 2

A

Question 3

What is the MOST important reason for reassessing a patient's gait characteristics after six physical therapy visits?

A)To assist with movement diagnosis
B)To evaluate the effectiveness of treatment
C)To understand the gait characteristics of a particular disorder
D)To inform selection of intervention(s)

Answer 3

B

Question 4

What is the BEST strategy for reducing plantar surface pressure in patients with diabetes?

A)Walk at faster speeds with shoes.
B)Walk at slower speeds with shoes.
C)Walk at slower speeds without shoes.
D)Walk at faster speeds without shoes.

Question 5

Based on best evidence regarding conditions such as unilateral weakness or hemiparesis,which limb should be used to start a step forward when teaching someone how to ambulate?

A)Affected limb
B)Unaffected limb
C)The patient's preferred limb
D)The limb opposite to the side of guarding

Question 6

Which of the following is the MOST appropriate instrument for gathering objective data on the likelihood of falls in a population of patients recovering from total hip replacement?

A)Functional Independence Measure (FIM)
B)Functional Ambulation Profile (FAP)
C)Modified Emory Functional Ambulation Profile (mEFAP)
D)Iowa Level of Assistance Scale (ILAS)

Question 7

What muscle weakness is MORE likely to cause persistent knee extension from heel strike through midstance?

A)Dorsiflexors
B)Gluteals
C)Quadriceps
D)Hamstrings

Question 8

Which diagnosis is MORE likely to lead to the following observed gait pattern: decreased heel strike or initial contact with a decreased step length and normal heel off or terminal stance?

A)Dorsiflexion weakness
B)Quadriceps weakness
C)Plantar flexion weakness
D)Leg length discrepancy