Base of gait is defined as distance between what during gait cycle?

Base of gait is defined as distance between what during gait cycle?

• A. Step length
• B. Cadence
• C. Stride length
• D. Distance between medial malleoli during gait cycle

Answer: (D)

Base of gait describes how wide the stance is as you walk—the distance between the two feet during the gait cycle. Clinically this is measured as the distance between the medial malleoli (the ankles) as the feet pass under the body. This width defines the base of gait and is independent of how far each step lands (step length) or how many steps you take per minute (cadence). Step length is the distance from the heel strike of one foot to the opposite foot’s heel strike, stride length is the distance from one heel strike of a foot to the next heel strike of the same foot, and cadence is the rate of stepping. So the base of gait is specifically the distance between the ankles during gait.

Base of gait describes how wide the stance is as you walk—the distance between the two feet during the gait cycle. Clinically this is measured as the distance between the medial malleoli (the ankles) as the feet pass under the body. This width defines the base of gait and is independent of how far each step lands (step length) or how many steps you take per minute (cadence). Step length is the distance from the heel strike of one foot to the opposite foot’s heel strike, stride length is the distance from one heel strike of a foot to the next heel strike of the same foot, and cadence is the rate of stepping. So the base of gait is specifically the distance between the ankles during gait.