Which gait is characterized by a narrow base and toe walking, often seen in spastic diplegia CP?

Which gait is characterized by a narrow base and toe walking, often seen in spastic diplegia CP?

• A. Diplegic gait
• B. Parkinsonian gait
• C. Ataxic gait
• D. Hemiplegic gait

Answer: (A)

In spastic diplegia CP, the legs are more affected than the arms, and tightness in the leg muscles leads to specific walking patterns. Toe walking arises from plantarflexor (calf) spasticity and limited ankle dorsiflexion, so the person ends up walking on the toes. A narrow base of support happens because adductor and leg muscles pull the legs closer together, making a narrow stance rather than a wide, stable platform. Together, toe walking with a narrow base is a classic sign of the leg-dominant spastic pattern seen in diplegic gait. In contrast, other gaits show different features: a wide base and unsteady steps for ataxic gait, shuffling with a stooped posture for Parkinsonian gait, or one-sided weakness with limb dragging for hemiplegic gait, which don’t match this description.

In spastic diplegia CP, the legs are more affected than the arms, and tightness in the leg muscles leads to specific walking patterns. Toe walking arises from plantarflexor (calf) spasticity and limited ankle dorsiflexion, so the person ends up walking on the toes. A narrow base of support happens because adductor and leg muscles pull the legs closer together, making a narrow stance rather than a wide, stable platform. Together, toe walking with a narrow base is a classic sign of the leg-dominant spastic pattern seen in diplegic gait. In contrast, other gaits show different features: a wide base and unsteady steps for ataxic gait, shuffling with a stooped posture for Parkinsonian gait, or one-sided weakness with limb dragging for hemiplegic gait, which don’t match this description.