PTA Physical Therapy Assistant

Answer: C - “Festinating” gait is present in Parkinson’s disease.

In Parkinson’s disease, the gait pattern is largely affected. The patient adapts a stooping posture to initiate walking, then leans forwards and hurries (festinates) to catch up. In festinating gait, the steps will be short and shuffling.

In a hemiplegic patient, the leg becomes extended and toes will be forced downwards. While walking, abduction and circumduction occur at the hip level to clear the ground.

In cerebellar ataxia, the patient adapts a tandem gait pattern.

In LMN weakness, there would be a stepping gait where the patient lifts the affected leg high to clear the ground.