In physical therapy, what is the purpose of a gait assessment and which two observations are commonly recorded?

• A. A subjective report of pain during walking; pain intensity and mood
• B. An assessment of upper limb symmetry; grip strength and finger dexterity
• C. A systematic observation of walking; cadence and step length symmetry
• D. A radiographic analysis of hip angle; bone density and alignment

Answer: (C)

Watching how someone walks to identify how their body works together during movement is the key idea. A gait assessment aims to spot patterns, rhythm, and balance issues that affect walking so you can plan targeted interventions to improve safety and efficiency. The two observations that are commonly recorded are cadence and step length symmetry. Cadence, the number of steps taken per minute, reflects the tempo of walking and can indicate mobility efficiency or fatigue. Step length symmetry measures how equally the left and right legs advance with each step; asymmetry can signal weakness, pain, joint limitations, or other impairments that guide treatment choices. Other options miss the focus on walking itself—subjective pain reports, upper-limb metrics, or imaging techniques don’t capture the real-time gait pattern used to assess function and guide rehab.