Cerebral Palsy Exam 2026: Full Guide for Physical Therapy Preparation

Gait assessment in cerebral palsy physical therapy is about observing how a person walks to understand movement patterns and how efficiently they use energy. By watching the timing, symmetry, step length, base of support, speed, and dynamic alignment, you can identify specific deviations (like toe-walking, crouched gait, or knee instability) and how they affect function, safety, and fatigue. This information directly guides treatment decisions—what to target with therapy, whether to use orthotics or assistive devices, and how to structure gait training to improve walking efficiency and independence. You’ll also have a baseline to measure progress over time.

Handwriting skills don’t reflect walking mechanics, so they aren’t the focus of gait assessment. Respiratory function is a separate system and isn’t assessed through gait observation. Sensory integration can influence how someone walks, but the primary purpose of gait assessment remains characterizing walking pattern and efficiency to inform gait-focused interventions.