In rehabilitation, Trendelenburg gait indicates the need to assess which aspects?

• A. Respiratory function
• B. Handgrip strength
• C. Visual acuity
• D. Hip abductor strength, pelvic control, and single-leg stability

Answer: (D)

Trendelenburg gait points to weakness of the hip abductors and poor pelvic control during single-leg stance. Because the stance-side gluteus medius/minimus must pull the pelvis level when only one leg is bearing weight, a weakness there allows the pelvis to drop on the opposite side. So the critical assessment areas are hip abductor strength, how well the pelvis is stabilized, and the patient’s ability to maintain stability on one leg and control the pelvis during gait. Respiratory function, handgrip strength, and visual acuity don’t explain or address this gait pattern, so they’re not the focus here. In rehab, you’d emphasize strengthening the hip abductors, improving pelvic and trunk control, and retraining single-leg balance and gait mechanics.