Quadriceps gait is defined as which of the following?

Quadriceps gait is defined as which of the following?

• A. Knee remains extended during weight-bearing due to weak quadriceps
• B. Knee buckling with knee collapse during stance
• C. Rapid knee flexion during stance
• D. Inability to bear weight on the affected leg

Answer: (A)

Quadriceps gait is a stance-phase pattern that arises from weakness of the knee extensors. With weak quadriceps, the knee cannot be properly controlled during weight-bearing, so the leg tends to stay in or be held in full extension to maintain stability. This results in a stiff, extended knee throughout the stance portion of gait and reduced ability to absorb shock. Other patterns describe the knee failing or buckling into flexion, or rapid knee flexion, or an inability to bear weight, which are not the defining feature of quadriceps gait.

Quadriceps gait is a stance-phase pattern that arises from weakness of the knee extensors. With weak quadriceps, the knee cannot be properly controlled during weight-bearing, so the leg tends to stay in or be held in full extension to maintain stability. This results in a stiff, extended knee throughout the stance portion of gait and reduced ability to absorb shock.

Other patterns describe the knee failing or buckling into flexion, or rapid knee flexion, or an inability to bear weight, which are not the defining feature of quadriceps gait.