Steppage and Foot Slap Gait Patterns (Foot Drop)
This video demonstrates two (2) gait patterns seen in patients who have a foot drop (ie. dorsiflexion weakness). The first of these is a Steppage Gait. The patient hikes (flexes) their hip and knee to clear the foot and compensate for the weak dorsiflexors. The second is called a Slap Foot Gait. Listen to hear the audible “slap” that is heard following each foot strike as the patient doesn’t have adequate strength to slow the foot and ankle’s plantar flexion.