Physiology & Rehabilitation MCQs

A patient presents with a "foot slap" gait during the initial contact phase of walking. Weakness in which of the following muscles and what type of contraction is responsible for this abnormality?

During normal human gait, maximum knee flexion is required to allow for adequate foot clearance. At which phase of the gait cycle does maximum knee flexion occur, and what is the approximate degree of flexion?

During normal human walking, the gastrocnemius-soleus complex provides the primary propulsive force. At which phase of the gait cycle do these ankle plantarflexors exhibit their peak electromyographic (EMG) activity?

An uncompensated Trendelenburg gait (abductor lurch) involves leaning the trunk laterally over the stance leg. What is the primary biomechanical consequence of this compensatory movement?

A patient presents with an audible "foot slap" immediately following initial contact during gait. Which phase of the gait cycle is affected, and what specific muscle contraction is failing?

A patient walking with a stiff right knee due to arthrofibrosis demonstrates a vaulting gait. Which of the following best describes the kinematic hallmark of this compensatory gait pattern?

During the normal human gait cycle, the peak joint reaction force at the hip occurs during which phase?

In patients with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy, crouch gait is a common ambulatory deviation. Overactivity and contracture of which muscle group is the primary driver of this specific gait pattern?

During the first rocker (heel rocker) of the stance phase in normal gait, which muscle undergoes eccentric contraction to control the rate of plantarflexion and prevent 'foot slap'?

A patient with severe unilateral quadriceps weakness will classically compensate during the stance phase of gait by demonstrating which of the following trunk movements?

A patient with a drop foot demonstrates a 'steppage gait'. This compensatory mechanism primarily involves exaggerated motion at which joints during which phase of gait?

A patient demonstrates an uncompensated Trendelenburg gait (pelvic drop) on the left side during the right swing phase. This is primarily caused by dysfunction of which muscle group and nerve?

A patient with profound weakness of the right gluteus medius exhibits a classic Trendelenburg gait. During the stance phase on the right lower extremity, which of the following compensatory movements is expected to minimize the required abductor force?

In a patient with cerebral palsy presenting with a stiff-knee gait, electromyography (EMG) is most likely to show abnormal, continuous firing of which muscle during the swing phase of gait?

A 25-year-old patient presents with a 'steppage' gait secondary to a common peroneal nerve palsy. In a normal gait cycle, the primary muscle affected by this palsy functions in which of the following combinations of contractions?

A patient with a significant equinus contracture of the ankle presents with a characteristic secondary gait deviation during the stance phase. Which of the following is the most likely observed compensatory knee kinematic?

A patient demonstrates a classic 'gluteus maximus lurch' during gait. Which kinematic alteration during the stance phase characterizes this gait pattern?

A patient exhibits a compensated Trendelenburg gait, leaning their trunk laterally over the stance limb. What is the primary biomechanical advantage of this compensatory mechanism?

During the normal human gait cycle, the gluteus maximus demonstrates its peak electromyographic (EMG) activity during which specific phase?