Gait is a series of multiple limb segment rotational movements that produce stable forward propulsion in an energy-conserving manner. It is an important motor skill and representative of other motor capabilities.
Although a number of atypical gait patterns have been described in patients with cerebral palsy, each patient has a unique set of impairments, functional limitations and associated compensations producing these patterns. Therefore, the mechanisms operative for an individual patient should be determined and are the basis for directing a tailored rehabilitation program.
Gait is studied in patients with cerebral palsy so that interventions can facilitate, restore, improve or maintain the patient’s ability to walk. Gait may be evaluated either observationally or with clinical gait analysis. Physicians commonly describe gait based upon observations during the initial and subsequent examinations.
However, it is often difficult to appreciate all limb segment and joint motions through different phases of the gait since all limbs and joints are moving at the same time in three-dimensional space. Therefore, observational gait evaluation can be supplemented by videotape taken while the patient is walking. Quantitative gait analysis is a particularly useful tool for developing a treatment plan.
Article Index
- 2. Management of spasticity in cerebral palsy Part II Passive and Active Examination
- Inspection of Gait
- Lower Extremity: Hip Range of Motion
- Lower Extremity : Staheli Test
- Lower Extremity: Hip Abduction
- Lower extremity : Internal and External Rotation of Hip
- Lower Extremity : Popliteal Angle
- Lower Extremity: Quadriceps Tests
- Lower Extremity: Ankle Range of Motion
- Upper Extremity: General Evaluation
- Upper Extremity Classic Findings
- Neurologic Tests
- Active Examination of the Child with Cerebral Palsy
- Components of Active Evaluation
- Standardized Assessments of Function and Disability in Cerebral Palsy
- Standardized Assessments of Function and Disability in Cerebral Palsy (cont)
- Gait Evaluation and Patterns in Spastic Cerebral Palsy
- The Gait Cycle
- Components of Gait Analysis
- Features of Normal Gait that May Be Disrupted in Pathologic Gait
- Gait Abnormalities in Spastic Diplegia
- Gait Abnormalities in Spastic Diplegia
- Gait Abnormalities in Spastic Hemiplegia
- Gait Abnormalities in Spastic Hemiplegia
- When to Refer for Clinical Gait Analysis
- Gait-Specific Treatment Considerations
- All Pages
Page 17 of 26