Abnormal Gait Patterns

Question	Answer
Antalgic	Decreased step length to avoid weight bearing on one side secondary to pain.
Ataxic	Staggering, unsteadiness usually wide BOS with exaggerated mvts.
Cerebellar	Staggering pattern secondary to cerebellar disease.
Double step	Alternate steps are of different length or at different rate.
Equine	High step gait pattern...excessive activity of the Gastrocnemius.
Festinating	Walk on toes as though pushed, starts slowly, increases, and continues until pt grasps an object in order to stop.
Hemiplegic	Pt abduct the paralyzed limb, swing it around, and bring it forward so foot hits the ground in front of them.
Parkinsonian	Forward flexion of trunk & knees, gait is shuffling w/quick small steps; festinating may occur.
Scissor	Legs cross the midline upon advancement.
Spastic	Stiff mvt., toes catch and drag, legs held together, hip and knee jt. flexed. Commonly seen in spastic paraplegia.
Steppage	Feet & toes are lifted through hip & knee flexion to excessive heights; secondary to DF weakness...foot slap at initial contact.
Tabetic	High stepping ataxic gait in which feet slap ground.
Trendelenburg	Excessive lateral trunk flexion and wt. shifting over the stance leg. Gluteus medius weakness
Vaulting	Gait pattern where the swing leg advances by compensating through a combination of elevation of the pelvis and PF of the stance leg.