Excessive Flexion/ Inadequate Extension

Excessive Flexion/ Inadequate Extension

1. Stance Phase

1. Primary causes- hams spasticity / contracture as in cp

-quads weakness in polio

2. Secondary cause – inc DF as a result of ankle PF weakness –after lengthening of

heel cord

3. Consequences – inc demand on quads

• inc JRF at knee & patellofemoral jt.
• Dec limb stability
• Dec step-length
• E.g. CROUCH gait in cp

Rarely used as compensatory mechanism b/c of energy inefficiency.

2. Swing phase

1. Primary causes – hams spasticity/ contracture
2. May be compensatory mechanism to allow toe clearance in intial swing or mid-swing when PF or dec hip flexion r present e.g. steppage gait
3. Terminal swing- it allows fore-foot strike at IC for a pt with heel pain.
4. Consequences- dec step-length

-impaired positioning of foot at IC

Characterized with dec step-length of c/l limb, crouch gait, steppage gait.