National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) Practice Exam

What is a common compensation for inadequate ankle rocker during gait?

1. Premature heel strike at initial contact

2. Excessive knee flexion in swing

3. Excessive trunk rotation at midstance

4. Backward trunk lean at midstance

The correct answer is: Excessive knee flexion in swing

Inadequate ankle rocker during gait is primarily associated with limited dorsiflexion, which affects the normal progression of the foot during the stance phase. When there is inadequate ankle rocker, the foot does not achieve the necessary dorsiflexion required for the smooth transition from heel strike to toe-off. This restriction can lead to compensatory mechanisms in other joints. Excessive knee flexion during swing is a notable compensation because as the ankle fails to dorsiflex, the knee may flex more to ensure clearance of the foot during the swing phase. By increasing knee flexion, the individual can navigate the swing phase without dragging the foot, ultimately allowing for a more effective gait pattern despite the underlying issue with ankle rocker. This compensatory strategy helps maintain forward momentum, albeit at the expense of normal joint mechanics. In contrast, the other options do not specifically align with the typical compensatory strategies that arise from inadequate ankle rocker. For instance, a premature heel strike typically relates more to a timing issue rather than a direct compensatory response to ankle function. Excessive trunk rotation may occur in various contexts but is not a primary compensation for ankle rocker deficits. Backward trunk lean could be observed with other pathologies or weaknesses but does not directly correlate with the