Basics of Gait Training (Walking)

Phases of Walking:

Summary of Muscle Function in Level Walking

Muscle Group	Main Function	Abnormalities if Weak
Hip Flexors	Acceleration of Swing	Backward lurch and pelvic tilt to initiate swing as seen in hemiplegia
Hip Abductors	Stabilize pelvis in stance Control drop of pelvis	Trendelenburg or contralateral hip drop
Hip Extensor	Stabilize pelvis, and stance	Backward lurch, or jacknife with quick step on contralateral side
Quadriceps	Absorb shock at heel strike and support knee at stance	Lock knee during stance and tendency to hyperextend
Hamstrings	Deceleration of swing phase	May overshoot at end of swing and "slam into extension"
Ankle DF & Toe Extensors	Control foot hitting the ground "slap" and lift the foot during swing	Steppage gait, toe-heel gait, vault up on opposite leg or circumduct around
Ankle PF & Toe Flexors	Push off at the end of stance phase	Absence of push off and small steps with poor balance and slow speed

• Hip Flexors start the swing
• Hip Extensors, especially hamstrings, decelerate the leg at the end of swing
• Knee extensors contract eccentrically at heel-strike to prevent buckling of knee
• Dorsiflexors act to hold toe off floor during swing, and to prevent foot slap at heel strike (act to slow plantar flexion), another eccentric contraction
• Plantar flexors act during push off