Final answer:
The gait described is called a waddling gait, which is characteristic of certain muscular dystrophies like Duchenne muscular dystrophy. It occurs due to the weakening of skeletal muscles and the lack of sufficient dystrophin, affecting stabilization and movement.
Step-by-step explanation:
The type of gait described, wherein a patient stands with shoulders behind hips and relies on the iliofemoral ligament of the hips, with little to no reciprocal pelvis and trunk rotation, and where the entire side of the body must swing to move the leg forward, is known as waddling gait. This gait pattern often includes a lumbar lordosis and a steppage gait as well. In muscular dystrophies like Duchenne muscular dystrophy, this gait can develop due to the progressive weakening of the skeletal muscles and the lack of the protein dystrophin, which affects muscle contraction and stability.
Stabilization through the pelvic girdle is crucial as it supports the body and allows our center of gravity to be maintained. The muscles in the pelvic region, especially the powerful gluteal muscles, assist in stabilizing our gait. The lack of motion and the strength of these muscles help facilitate body stabilization, posture, and movement. Therefore, when dysfunction occurs, it becomes evident in the gait as the muscles can no longer perform these functions adequately.