In today's video, we delve into gait deviations commonly experienced after neurologic injuries, focusing particularly on external leg rotation and circumduction. Understanding these deviations can empower you with the correct strategies to address them.

A frequent complaint among those with neurological damage is the external rotation and circumduction of the leg. This involves the leg swinging in an arc out to the side rather than moving straight forward, which many find frustrating and unsafe.

Several factors contribute to these gait deviations:

• Knee stiffness that restricts proper leg movement.
• The perception or reality of the leg being too ‘long’ due to foot drop or spasticity.
• Lack of strength in the hip flexors to adequately reposition the leg.
• Difficulty in dissociating limb movements, resulting in a compensation mechanism through circumduction.

• Performing exercises that enhance knee flexibility and reduce leg rigidity can aid these conditions.

• Utilize exercises that focus on hip flexor strength to help modify the gait patterns that rely overly on swinging the leg outerward.

• Exercises that promote coordination and dissociation can prevent both legs from moving similarly because of a lack of unilateral movement control.

Rehab HQ offers a membership program featuring over 450 exercises tailored for neurologic conditions. This includes accessing exclusive materials, joining webinars, and gaining expertise that guides your personalized rehabilitation program.

Join our community to access supportive resources – Tara, Neurological Physical Therapist

Transitioning your gait pattern post-injury can be challenging, but with specific exercises and strategic practice, it's possible to make sustained improvements. Discover the exercises suited for decreasing gait deviations, aiding you in living a more active, happier, and healthier life wherever you may tread.

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