Brief Summary
This video explains the Trendelenburg gait pattern, characterized by one hip dropping when standing on one leg. It covers common causes such as weakness in hip abductor muscles and tightness in hip adductors, especially for individuals with neurological injuries. The video provides targeted exercises to address these issues, including stretches to improve flexibility and strength exercises to stabilize the hips.
- Trendelenburg gait is when one hip drops while standing on one leg.
- Common causes include weak hip abductors and tight hip adductors.
- Exercises focus on stretching inner thigh muscles and strengthening hip abductors.
Introduction to Trendelenburg Gait
The video introduces the Trendelenburg gait pattern, which occurs when the hip drops on the opposite side of the stance leg. This is often due to weakness in the hip abductor muscles, which are responsible for maintaining a level pelvis during single-leg stance. For individuals with neurological injuries, the causes can be more complex, involving tight hip adductors or abnormal muscle synergies.
Causes of Trendelenburg Gait
The most common cause of Trendelenburg gait is weakness in the hip abductor muscles, which stabilize the pelvis during single-leg stance. In individuals with neurological injuries, tight hip adductors or abnormal Synergy patterns can also contribute. Extensor Synergy patterns, where muscles that straighten the leg link with those that pull the legs together, can cause the leg to pull inward, leading to the opposite hip dropping.
Stretches to Increase Tolerance for Lengthening
This section focuses on exercises to increase the tolerance for lengthening of the inner thigh muscles. The video demonstrates several stretches that can be modified based on individual limitations, such as weakness, spasticity, or contractures. For contractures, holding the stretches for a minute is recommended, while for spasticity or abnormal Synergy patterns, slow, rhythmic movements are advised to promote muscle relaxation.
Seated and Supine Hip Abduction Exercises
The video transitions to strengthening exercises for the hip abductor muscles, starting with seated hip abduction using a resistance band. This exercise helps to engage the correct muscles and can be progressed to a supine position. When performing supine hip abduction, it's important to avoid pointing the knee towards the ceiling, which indicates the use of hip flexors instead of hip abductors.
Standing Hip Abduction Exercises
The video progresses to standing hip abduction exercises, both with and without a resistance band. It's important to center the belly button over the stance leg to maximize the effectiveness of the exercise. Holding onto a stable object like a PVC pipe can help maintain balance and proper form.
Step-Down Exercise with Hip Lift
This exercise involves standing on a step and tapping the opposite heel down to the ground, followed by a slight hip lift on the way back up. This is particularly beneficial for individuals with abnormal extensor Synergy patterns, as it helps to isolate hip abduction from knee extension and adduction.
Kneeling Gait Training
The video concludes with a functional activity: gait training on the knees. This exercise simulates walking and makes it more challenging to drop the hip. By bringing one leg forward while kneeling, individuals can work on maintaining a level pelvis and strengthening the hip abductor muscles.
