Gait Cycle Flashcards
What are the 2 phases of a normal walking cycle?
Stance phase and swing phase
What percentage of the walking cycle does the stance phase account for?
60%
The three stages of the stance phase are…
- Heel strike
- Support
- Toe-off
The 2 stages of the swing phase are…
- leg lift
2. swing
Describe the movements of the walking cycle using the 5 main stages.
The right foot lifts, swings, heel strikes, and then support as foot is flat on ground.
During support, the left left lifts, swings forward, heel strikes, then support.
During support, the right leg lifts and so on…
State the muscles involved and their functions during heel-strike.
Gluteus maximus; controls the speed/force at which heel strikes ground by decelerating leg
Quadriceps femoris; keeps knee extended
Anterior leg; keep foot dorsiflexed to prepare for heel strike
Which muscles are involved and what is their function during support?
Quadriceps femoris; keeps knee extended to support body weight
What muscles are involved in the toe off phase? What is their function?
Posterior thigh muscles; flex the knee and extend the hip
Posterior leg muscles(gastrocnemius, soleus, and tibialis posterior mainly); plantar flexion at ankle joint
Which muscles enable the left-lift phase and how?
Posterior thigh muscles; keep the knee flexed
Gluteus minimus and medius; keep the pelvis level and prevent it from sagging on unsupported side
Iliopsoas+ Rectus femoris; flex the hip to drive knee forward
State the muscles and their functions involved in the swing phase.
Quadriceps femoris; to extend knee but not fully
Anterior leg compartment; dorsiflexion of ankle to prepare for heel strike
What are the attachments of the semitendinosus?
Origin; upper medial aspect of ischial tuberosity
Attachment: medial condyle of tibia
