Gait Cycle

Question 1

What happens in early stance? (Includes heel strike)

Answer 1

Hip:
- In flexion, but moving into extension
- Agonists = gluteus maximus & hamstrings

Knee:
- In extension (locked for stability)
- Stabilisers: quadriceps femoris & hamstrings & gastrocnemius

Ankle:
- In dorsiflexion (stable - best bony congruence) but moving into plantarflexion
- Agonist = triceps surae
Antagonist = tibialis anterior needed to control rate of foot drop to ground

Question 2

What happens in Mid stance?

Answer 2

Hip:
- Continuing moving into extension
- Agonists = gluteus maximus & hamstrings

Knee:
- Moving from extension into slight flexion
- Agonists = hamstrings & gastrocnemius

Question 3

What happens in Late stance? (includes toe off)

Answer 3

Hip:
- In extension
- Agonists = gluteus maximus & hamstrings

Knee:
- In extension due to position of body
- Hamstrings & gastrocnemius contracting ready for next movement

Ankle:
- In full plantarflexion
- Agonist = triceps surae (strong for propulsion)

Question 4

What happens in Early swing?

Answer 4

Hip:
- In extension, moving into flexion
- Agonists = iliopsoas & rectus femoris
Antagonists = gluteus maximus & hamstrings control rate of swing

Knee:
- In flexion to lift foot from ground
- Agonists = hamstrings & gastrocnemius

Ankle:
- In dorsiflexion to allow clearance of toes during swing
Agonist = tibialis anterior

Question 5

What happens during Mid swing?

Answer 5

Hip:
- In flexion
- Agonists = iliopsoas & rectus femoris
- Antagonists = gluteus maximus & hamstrings control rate of swing

Knee:
- In flexion to lift foot from ground
- Agonists = hamstrings & gastrocnemius

Ankle:
- In dorsiflexion to allow clearance of toes during swing
- Agonist = tibialis anterior

Question 6

What happens in late swing?

Answer 6

Hip:
- In flexion
- Agonists = iliopsoas & rectus femoris

Knee:
- Moving from flexion into extension to prepare for heel strike
- Agonists = quadriceps femoris

Ankle:
- In dorsiflexion for most stable joint position for heel strike
- Agonist = tibialis anterior to pull into dorsiflexion then
- Stabiliser = triceps surae to keep ankle stable.

Question 7

What happens after Late swing?

Answer 7

Early stance.