Gait cycle - stance and swing phase

Question 1

Define Gait

Answer 1

A method of locomotive characterised by periods of loading and unloading of limbs.

Question 2

Define gait cycle

Answer 2

The period of time from one heel strike to the next heel strike in the same limb.

Question 3

The Gait cycle has two phases, what are they?

Answer 3

Stance Phase (60%) and Swing phase (40%)

Question 4

The stance phase constitutes 60% of the Gait cycle.
What are the events that occur in the phase? (hint, there are 5)

Answer 4

1. Initial contact
2. Loading response
3. Midstance
4. Terminal stance
5. Pre-swing

Question 5

When does the stance phase begin and end?

Answer 5

It begins when the heel of one leg strikes the ground.
It ends when the toe of the same leg leaves the ground.

Question 6

What is the start of the stance phase? (hint: aka “heel strike”)
Describe.

Answer 6

The initial contact.
This is the point where the foot of the leading lower limb strikes the ground.
First part of the double limb support phase.
(Ascending on the vertical force graph).

Question 7

Describe the second phase of the stance phase.

Answer 7

The loading response.
This occupies the first 10% of the gait cycle.
It occurs when the initial contact is made and ends, when the entire foot is in full contact with the ground and the contralateral foot, leaves the ground.

This is the second part of the double limb support phase.
(first ascending peak on vertical force graph).

Question 8

What is the third phase in the stance phase and what percentage does it occupy?

Answer 8

Midstance
10-30%

Question 9

Describe the third phase of the stance phase.

Answer 9

The midstance begins when the contralateral foot leaves the ground and weight is transferred onto the initial moving limb.

It is the first part of the single-limb support phase
(First descending peak on the vertical force graph).

The contralateral limb is in swing phase.

Question 10

At what phase is the Terminal Stance on the stance phase, and what percentage does it occupy?

Answer 10

The terminal stance is the 4th phase in the stance phase.
It occupies 30-50% of the gait cycle.

Question 11

Describe the Terminal Stance

Answer 11

It begins when the heel rises from the initial limb and ends when the contralateral limb strikes the ground.

The contralateral limb prepares for initial contact.
This is the second part of the single-limb support phase.
(second ascending peak on the vertical force graph- reduces the vertical force being applied by the initial limb hence the descending on the vertical force graph).

Question 12

What is the 5th phase in the stance cycle?
Describe the phase.

Answer 12

Pre-swing
It begins when the initial limb leaves the ground (toe off)
Weight is transferred to the contralateral limb. This initiates single-limb support on the contralateral limb.

(Second descending peal on vertical force graph)

Question 13

Describe the swing phase and the percentage of the gait cycle

Answer 13

constitutes 40% of the gait cycle

This is the period between the toe leaving the ground and the heel of the same foot strikes the ground.

Question 14

The Swing stage can be divided into different events. What are they?

Answer 14

(Cont. from stance phase)
6. Initial swing: Limb accelerates
7. Midswing: Swinging limb overtakes the limb in stance
8. Terminal swing: Limb decelerates.

Question 15

Initial Swing. describe:

Answer 15

Constitutes 60-75% of gait cycle

It begins when the foot leaves the ground and ends at max knee flexion.

Single limb support on the contralateral limb.

Question 16

True of False
There Is force being applied to the ground at the initial swing phase.

Answer 16

False.
There is no force being applied at the initial swing phase. do not plot on vertical force graph.

Question 17

List the movement of the mid-swing cycle

Answer 17

2nd phase of the swing phase.
occurs between 75-85% of the gait cycle

Mid-swing begins following the max knee flexion and ends when the tibia is in a vertical position.

Key events of the mid swing cycle
Limb advancement
foot clearance.

Question 18

Key events of the mid swing cycle

Answer 18

Limb advancement
foot clearance.

Question 19

Explain the final phase of the swing cycle

Answer 19

8. terminal swing.
   85-100%
   The Key events are:
   Tibia transitions beyond perpendicular
   Knee fully extends
   the limb decelerates- preparing for heel strike.

Question 20

Is a vertical force graph in the stance phase or swing phase?

Answer 20

Stance phase only