Final answer:
Atypical gait patterns can lead to balance and posture problems, musculoskeletal issues, and coordination difficulties. They are assessed through neurological exams and subtests, which can reveal underlying proprioceptive deficits and the impact on body movements and overall health.
Step-by-step explanation:
The problems caused by atypical gait patterns can range from balance and posture problems to musculoskeletal issues. Atypical gait can lead to difficulty with planning and executing tasks, poor judgment, and changes in personality when it is associated with neurological problems. During a neurological exam, a subtest of walking may begin with observing the patient walk normally and then with variations like tandem gait or walking on heels or toes to assess different aspects of balance. Symptoms such as muscle weakness and problems with coordination may arise, and specialized subtests like the Romberg test can be used to check for proprioceptive deficits impacting posture. Atypical gait patterns may contribute to spasticity and impact the spinocerebellar tract, which is essential for maintaining balance and coordinated movement. Overall health can be impaired if gait deviates markedly from normal patterns.