Gait Terminology

Question 1

Base of Support

Answer 1

Distance measured between R and L foot during progression of gait.

• Distance decreases as cadence increases
• Average BOS for an adult is 2 to 4 inches

Question 2

Cadence

Answer 2

Number of steps an individual will walk over a period of time.
-Average value for an adult is 110-120 steps/minute

Question 3

Degree of Toe-out

Answer 3

Angle formed by each foot’s line of progression and a line intersecting the center of the heel and second toe.
-Average is 7 degrees

Question 4

Double Support Phase

Answer 4

Refers to the two times during a gait cycle where both feet are on the ground.

• Increases as the speed of gait decreases
• This phase does not exist with running

Question 5

Gait Cycle

Answer 5

Sequence of motions that occur from initial contact of the heel to the next consecutive initial contact of the SAME heel

Question 6

Pelvic Rotation

Answer 6

Rotation of the pelvis occurs opposite the thorax in order to maintain balance and regulate speed
-Average pelvic rotation during gait for an adult is a total of 8 degrees, with 4 degrees forward with the swing leg and 4 degrees backward with the stance leg

Question 7

Single Support Phase

Answer 7

Only one foot is on the ground and occurs twice during a single gait cycle

Question 8

Step Length

Answer 8

Distance measured between right heel strike and left heel strike.
-Average step length of an adult is 28 inches

Question 9

Stride Length

Answer 9

Distance measured between right heel strike and the following right heel strike.
-Average stride length is 56 inches