Complex Movements: Standing and Gait Flashcards
Describe bipedal standing
Relatively small area of contact with the ground, plantar surface of feet, energy efficient
How do we maintain a stable, upright stance?
Line of gravity, which locks our joints.
The line of gravity is posterior to hip joint, anterior to knee and ankle joints
How does the line of gravity effect the hip?
It is posterior to the joint so it ‘pushes’ joint into a locked position, ligaments are tight. No energy is spent because the muscles can fully relax
What are the roles of the capsular ligaments in the hip in both flexion and extension?
Hip in flexion: ligaments are lax anteriorly; taught posteriorly
Hip in extension: ligaments are taut anteriorly, lax posteriorly
Note - The ligaments run in different orientations
How does the line of gravity affect the knee?
Line of gravity is anterior to knee so ‘pushes’ it into extension, ligaments are tight and joint is locked so muscles can relax and no energy is spent
How does the line of gravity affect the ankle?
Line of gravity is anterior to the joint, so it ‘pushes’ it into dorsiflexion. Joint is NOT locked and plantar flexors are needed to stabilise, so therefore energy is spent but only a small amount.
How many phases of the gait cycle are there?
6 (and we only focus on the flexion and extension happening in these phases)
What are the two main phases of the gait cycle called?
Stance and Swing. Each leg will be in opposite phases.
Eg if left leg is in stance, right will be in swing
What is the phase called when both feet are on the ground?
Double stance phase
What are the names of the six phases?
Early stance + heel strike, Mid stance, Late stance + toe off, Early swing, Mid swing, Late swing.
What needs to be considered when you look at each phase of the gait cycle?
Position joint starts in, Position joint needs to be for next phase, What muscle and type of contraction will bring the joint into the next phase
