a limp on the left?
a short leg on the right?
a weak gluteus medius on the left?
a shortened step length on the right?
increased arm swing on the left?
watch the push off (terminal stance/pre swing) on the right and then the left. Note how the left is weaker?
now watch the heel strike. Notice how it is shorter when the right strikes the ground than the left?
did you note the pelvic shift to the left on L stance phase? How about the subtle increased knee flexion on the left?
This gentleman has an atrophied gastroc/soleus on the left from an injury. He compensates by increasing thigh flexion on the left to clear the leg. Because he has lost gastroc/soleus strength on the left (the lateral gastrocis an important inverter of the heel after midstance and important component of rearfoot supination), the rearfoot everts more. allowing more midfoot pronation. This collapse of the midfoot brings his weight more medially, so he shifts his pelvis laterally (to the left) to keep his center of gravity over the foot.
Fix?
- Make client aware of what is going on.
- make sure gastroc/soleus complex strength and function is maximized through muscle work, acupuncture, muscle activation, functional gait exercise
The Gait Guys. Bringing you the meat, without the filler.
Copyright 2012: The Gait Guys/The Homunculus Group. All rights reserved. Don’t rip off our stuff!
