College of Massage Therapists of British Columbia (CMTBC) Practice Exam

Which condition is characterized by Trendelenburg gait, circumduction gait, and foot equinus?

1. Multiple Sclerosis

2. Cerebral Palsy

3. Parkinson's Disease

4. Spinal Cord Injury

The correct answer is: Cerebral Palsy

The condition characterized by Trendelenburg gait, circumduction gait, and foot equinus is cerebral palsy. Trendelenburg gait occurs when there is weakness in the hip abductor muscles, often observed in individuals with cerebral palsy due to muscle imbalance and spasticity affecting their motor control. This results in a notable sway of the pelvis toward the non-affected side during ambulation, as the affected side is unable to maintain proper stability. Circumduction gait is common in individuals with limited ability to flex the knee or ankle, leading them to swing the leg in a circular motion to compensate. In cerebral palsy, this compensatory mechanism arises from spastic or stiff muscles affecting the lower limbs, requiring the individual to perform a circumduction to avoid dragging their foot. Foot equinus refers to a position where the foot points downward, restricting dorsiflexion. In cerebral palsy, tightness or spasticity in the calf muscles can lead to this presentation, further impacting gait mechanics, as individuals may walk on their toes instead of having a flat foot during the stance phase. These gait patterns and foot positioning reflect the neuromuscular challenges posed by cerebral palsy, making it the most appropriate choice among the options provided.