Which description best fits the equine gait?

The description of equine gait as high stepping with exaggerated calf muscle activity is accurate. This gait pattern is characterized by increased hip and knee flexion resulting in a high lifting of the legs, similar to the way a horse moves. The calf muscles play a significant role in this type of movement, contributing to the pronounced foot placement seen in individuals exhibiting equine gait.

In clinical settings, equine gait can often be observed in conditions affecting muscle tone and control, particularly those associated with spasticity in the calves. This high stepping behavior is typically a compensatory mechanism to avoid dragging the feet or to accommodate for limited range of motion elsewhere in the lower extremities. Understanding this pattern is crucial for physical therapists when assessing and designing treatment plans for individuals presenting with varying forms of gait abnormalities.