What is a common characteristic of gait in patients with hip extensor weakness?

In patients with hip extensor weakness, a forward trunk lean is a common compensatory strategy during gait. The hip extensors, particularly the gluteus maximus, play a crucial role in stabilizing the pelvis and providing propulsion during the stance phase of walking. When these muscles are weak, the individual may lean their torso forward to shift their center of gravity and reduce the demand on the hip extensors. This forward lean helps manage any instability in the hip region and can assist in maintaining balance while walking.

The other options—hip flexion contracture, flat foot strike, and toe walking—do not typically align with the compensatory mechanisms for weak hip extensors. Hip flexion contracture generally affects the ability to fully extend the hip, resulting in a different gait pattern. A flat foot strike may occur due to other musculoskeletal issues, while toe walking often relates to muscle tightness or neurological factors, rather than weakness specifically in the hip extensors. Thus, the characteristic of a forward trunk lean is an effective strategy used by individuals to compensate for hip extensor weakness.