Physiology & Rehabilitation MCQs

During the initial phase of the gait cycle (first rocker), the foot transitions from heel strike to a foot-flat position. Which muscle performs the primary eccentric contraction to control this motion and prevent 'foot slap'?

A patient with severe unilateral hip osteoarthritis walks with a classic uncompensated Trendelenburg lurch, shifting their torso over the affected hip during the stance phase. What is the primary biomechanical advantage of this compensatory gait mechanism?

During normal human gait, six distinct determinants function to minimize the vertical and horizontal displacement of the body's center of gravity, thereby reducing energy expenditure. Which of the following is NOT one of the classic determinants of gait described by Saunders et al.?

During the normal human gait cycle, the primary muscle active at the ankle during the loading response (initial contact to opposite toe-off) is the tibialis anterior. What is the primary biomechanical function of the tibialis anterior during this specific phase?

A patient with severe right hip osteoarthritis exhibits a classic uncompensated Trendelenburg gait. However, after physical therapy, the patient develops a "compensated" Trendelenburg gait. What kinematic change defines this compensation during the stance phase on the affected right leg?

A patient with a common peroneal nerve palsy exhibits a "steppage" gait. Kinematic analysis of this patient's gait cycle will demonstrate which primary abnormality during the swing phase that necessitates this compensatory mechanism?

A 5-year-old with cerebral palsy undergoes instrumented gait analysis. Dynamic electromyography (EMG) reveals prolonged, continuous activity of the rectus femoris during the swing phase. Clinically, what gait deviation is most directly caused by this specific muscle overactivity?

During gait observation, a patient demonstrates a backward lurch of the trunk immediately following heel strike. This specific compensatory mechanism is indicative of weakness in which muscle, and occurs during which phase of the gait cycle?

A patient with profound triceps surae weakness undergoes computerized gait analysis. Which of the following kinematic abnormalities is most likely to be identified during the stance phase?

Normal human walking gait is traditionally divided into stance and swing phases. In a healthy adult walking at a self-selected pace, the stance phase comprises approximately what percentage of the entire gait cycle?

During gait analysis, a patient exhibits a significant "pelvic drop" on the swing side. Weakness in which of the following muscles during the stance phase of the contralateral leg is most likely responsible?

Which phase of the normal gait cycle requires the maximum amount of hip extension?

A patient presents with a 'stiff-knee gait' following a severe traumatic brain injury. During the swing phase, the knee fails to flex adequately. Overactivity of which muscle is the primary culprit and can be evaluated using dynamic electromyography (EMG)?

During normal human gait, maximum knee flexion during the swing phase reaches approximately what angle to allow for adequate foot clearance?

A patient exhibits a compensated Trendelenburg gait characterized by leaning the trunk laterally over the affected hip during the stance phase. What is the precise biomechanical consequence of this maneuver?

A patient with severe unilateral hip abductor weakness demonstrates a classic Trendelenburg gait. Biomechanically, how does shifting the torso laterally over the affected hip compensate for this weakness?

An uncompensated Trendelenburg gait in a patient with a right hip abductor deficiency is characterized by which of the following kinematic patterns during the stance phase on the right leg?

A patient with severe unilateral hip osteoarthritis exhibits a compensated Trendelenburg gait, characterized by excessive lateral leaning of the trunk over the affected hip during the stance phase. What is the primary biomechanical advantage of this gait modification?

A patient exhibits a compensated Trendelenburg lurch to the right side during the stance phase of the right leg. Biomechanically, what is the primary purpose of this compensatory trunk shift?

A patient with severe hip dysplasia exhibits an uncompensated Trendelenburg lurch (Duchenne gait), characterized by shifting the torso over the affected hip during the stance phase. What is the biomechanical effect of this compensatory gait?