What does circumduction gait involve?

Circumduction gait involves a circular motion of the leg during the swing phase, which allows the foot to move forward while avoiding obstacles or compensating for a lack of hip flexion or knee motion. This type of gait pattern is often seen in individuals with certain neurological conditions, orthopedic impairments, or after a stroke, where normal coordinated movement is disrupted.

In this gait pattern, rather than lifting the leg straight forward, the individual swings the leg outward and around in a semi-circle to bring the foot forward. This can be particularly useful for individuals who may have weakness, spasticity, or other limitations affecting their ability to flex the hip or knee adequately. Understanding this gait pattern is important for physical therapists and assistants when assessing mobility and planning appropriate interventions to improve overall function and safety in ambulation.